Starting this week, restaurants with more than 250 employees are legally required to include calorie counts on their UK menus.
A new government law has been set up to tackle obesity, and some restaurants in the UK have already done so. But does calorie display solve the problem, or can it adversely affect the mental health of diner who may already be suffering from an eating disorder?
Liverpool women share the fears surrounding calorie display and the risks it can pose to people like her. A 30-year-old woman from Toxteth describes her food relationship as “complex” after six years of fighting depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia nervosa, and anorexia nervosa.
read more: The woman was “furious” and fined £ 500, and Boris was fined £ 50.
Sophie Cook, founder of Sophie’s Kitchen, a Liverpool 8-based bakery business, talked about her fight against food. She said, “It took me a while to realize I was ill, but I think it’s a mental health problem.
“When I’m having a hard time, I know exactly how difficult it is, so I spend a lot of time trying not to make people feel the same. Losing contact with myself. increase.
“I used to love going out with friends for food and drink. Over time, I realized I was missing out on more and more social events.”
She taught herself to bake, one of the things she can do to “make people smile.” Unfortunately, Sophie’s health continued to spiral downwards, and she was admitted to a psychiatric unit called Willal’s Oaktree.
(Image: Sophie Cook)
Sophie said: “I was hospitalized for a total of seven months, four of which were in wheelchairs. Over time, I was able to move away from the hospital grounds for several hours.
“I decided that if I wanted to be better, I needed to be better for myself, not just what the doctor told me. I am the motivator for myself to be better. I started looking for a course and found a course. I did baking and cake decoration at Liverpool Community College. “
Finding a class rejuvenated Sophie. Printing her college application and pasting it on the wall of her room was her “continuous reminder” to her that it was enough to go to her college and complete the course.
She said, “The day I weighed enough to leave the hospital, I discharged myself. Since then, I haven’t seen a doctor or psychiatrist.
“I’ve seen first-hand how different things work for different people and how professional support can help others. Personally, what triggers me and what’s difficult? I made myself aware of what makes me happy, but there are still triggers and calories are one of them. “
Sophie, who noticed the new calorie labeling method in May 2021, was “angry” with the ideas behind it, and it is still the case. There were many petitions to stop the progress of the law, but “they were all ignored.”
The bakery said: “I didn’t know what I could get by adding calories to my menu. Most organizations already have nutritional value available, and people can find everything they need online on most corporate websites. However, looking at calories, those on the menu can have a serious impact on those suffering from eating disorders.
“I’m still worried about calories today. I’ve been thinking about my triggers for years, but I can’t look back on the impact of looking at those numbers.
“I took steps to educate myself about what calories are and how they are stored. Now look at the diet and where those numbers really come from. You can understand what it is. It’s a bad choice.
“But no matter how far I come, I’m aware of the calories of what I’m eating. I openly admit that eating disorders recur when I’m having a bad day. Much of what I’ve learned is Your brain will forget all of this and will struggle with certain foods based on calorie content. “
She told ECHO: “Government really needs to understand mental health. Anyone can read a book and qualify, but that doesn’t mean they really understand how people feel. It’s the most important thing for mental health.
“Mental health is not black and white. People may have exactly the same mental health” problems “but feel quite different. Therefore, education is very important. People need to be educated. [about mental health] Not only because it’s prevalent on social media every time a celebrity dies in mental health, it’s also a day like World Mental Health Day. “
Helpline and support groups
Below are helplines and support networks for people to speak to, mainly listed on the NHS Choices website.
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service that is available daily throughout the year. If you want to write down your feelings or are worried about being heard over the phone, you can email the Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- The CALM campaign against miserable life (0800 58 58 58) is a major movement against suicide. For those who have hit a wall for some reason and need to talk or find information or support, we have a UK helpline and web chat 24/7 from 5pm to midnight.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) operates a free helpline to provide support services to people who may be suffering from perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (prenatal) and postpartum depression. Supports families and networks.
- Childline (0800 1111) operates a helpline for children and adolescents in the United Kingdom. Calls are free and numbers do not appear in phone charges.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organization that supports teens and young adults who are thinking of committing suicide.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity that provides advice and support to empower those who are experiencing mental health problems. They are campaigning to improve service, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Student Against Depression is a website for students with depression, depression, or suicidal ideation.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Amparo provides emotional and practical support to those affected by suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners. Support media inquiries. Assisting in preparing and attending hearings and accessing other appropriate local support services. For more information, please call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk.
- The Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk, or send a text to HOPE to 85258 to find a related service near you.
- Youth Advisory Services – Provides mental and mental health to children, youth and families in Liverpool. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul’s Place-Provides free counseling and group sessions for those who live in Merseyside and have lost their family and friends to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
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Martin Galier Project-Provides face-to-face support for individuals and their families who are thinking of committing suicide. Business hours 9.30-16.30, open all year round. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
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James’Place-Supports men over the age of 18 who are in danger of suicide by providing quick access to treatment and support. From Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm, call 0151 303 5757 or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/.
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