Whether consumed as a hangover cure or to complement a Netflix marathon, takeaways are an integral part of weekends for many people.
However, a new study has issued a health warning for those taking part in this quintessentially British tradition, as its findings suggest some takeaway meals contain more calories than the daily limit.
According to the NHS Eatwell Guide, women should consume around 2,000 calories a day and men around 2,500, while the UK government’s One You campaign encourages adults to eat 400 calories for breakfast and 600 for both lunch and dinner, with the rest is covered by snacks.
Now new research shows that six in 10 takeaways exceed the suggested 600 calories for lunch and dinner, a trend that the study’s authors have warned could fuel Britain’s obesity crisis.
The research, published by social innovation agency Nesta, found that one in three meals bought at fast food restaurants contains at least 1,300 calories – which is double the recommended amount for lunch and dinner.
Pizzas have the highest calorie content on average. Some contain almost the full recommended daily allowance, contributing 7.5% of all calories purchased in Britain.
Elsewhere, statistics show that around 60% of the UK population purchases something away from home (i.e. prepared food or drink purchased for immediate consumption, including things like meal deal sandwiches) at least once a week. About 7 million (11%) use it once a day.
How to deal with navigating calories
When calorie labels were first introduced on menus in 2022, critics argued that the measure could trigger people with eating disorders (who have an obsession with the number of calories they consume) and create a distorted and disturbed relationship with food and calories. can promote.
‘[Labelling calories on menus] “may mean that someone with an eating disorder will try to portion-share, skip it altogether, or worry about their overall calorie intake for the rest of the day,” James Davis, a psychologist, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist, told me. previously to Metro. co.uk.
‘It can also bring up feelings of shame and anxiety because they are used to controlling their calorie intake and it feels like this is a meal choice that they have no control over.’
As such, navigating calories and food can be incredibly challenging for people who struggle with eating disorders or have negative body image.
Is there a way to deal with navigating calories, especially when presented on food and takeout menus?
Don’t get hung up on the number of calories
‘Don’t worry too much about the calories of your menu choice – life is to be enjoyed and is about balance – calories are not something to obsess over,’ James advised.
‘If you go out to eat every night, then yes, you have to be more careful, but if you go out to eat occasionally, don’t get hung up and enjoy it.’
Learn more about your own nutritional needs
When considering calorie counts on takeaways, it’s important to understand how it fits into your daily needs.
James said: ‘Be aware of your total daily calorie needs so you can confidently make an informed choice from the menu and know how it fits into your day.’
Remember, calories aren’t everything
While it is good to know how many calories you are eating in some circumstances, there is much more to be gained from understanding the actual nutritional value of your food.
‘The quality of the food we eat and the mix of macronutrients are also important,’ James concluded.
“For example, your body will use 500 calories of raw organic spinach very differently than 500 calories of jelly babies.”
‘Remember that calories from one meal aren’t everything.
‘The type of food, the quality and the composition of the macronutrients all play a role.’
What to do if you are worried about yourself or a friend.
If you or a loved one are struggling with eating disorders, please contact your GP in the first instance, or there are charities you can turn to:
Call or email the Beat helpline
Call the Mind helpline
Contact Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain.
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