Calorie labelling has modest effect, latest evidence finds

However, charities say the policy can make people with eating disorders feel more anxious about food, which could trigger a relapse.

Milly Goldsmith, 27, a lifestyle influencer from London, struggled with anorexia nervosa and body dysmorphia from the age of 13 to 18.

She says calorie counting is what “fed” her eating disorder.

“I really feel it is just reinforcing those eating habits and making it a really toxic way to look at food.”

Though Milly is in recovery, she describes the constant battle between her “eating- disorder brain” and “logical brain” not to fixate on the calories in her meals.

The review acknowledged a “lack of data” of the possible harms including mental health impacts, and the authors have recommended future research to assess this.

To encourage healthier eating, the government has already announced plans to ban junk food adverts on TV and online in England, alongside calorie labelling.

This is part of a wider plan to tackle high rates of obesity, external.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We have also given local authorities stronger powers to block applications for unhealthy takeaways near schools, to stop fast-food giants targeting pupils.”

The Scottish government has been consulting on whether restaurants and cafes must display calorie levels.