Some takeaways contain more calories than the daily limit (Picture: Getty Images/Science Photo Libra)
Whether consumed as a hangover cure or an addition to a Netflix marathon, takeaways are an integral part of many peoples’ weekends.
However, a new study has issued a health warning for those who partake in this quintessentially British tradition, as the findings suggest that 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 at breakfast and 600 for both lunch and dinner, with the remainder covered by snacks.
Now, new research shows that six out of 10 takeaway meals exceed the 600-calorie suggestion for lunch and dinner, a trend that the study’s authors have warned could be fuelling the UK’s obesity crisis.
The study, published by social innovation agency Nesta, finds that one in three meals bought from fast food outlets contains at least 1,300 calories – which is double the recommended figure for lunch and dinner.
On average, pizzas have the highest calorie content. Some contain almost all the recommended daily allowance, contributing to 7.5% of all calories bought across the UK.
Elsewhere, the stats show that approximately 60% of the UK population purchase out of home (meaning any prepared food or drink bought for immediate consumption and includes things like meal deal sandwiches) at least once a week. Around 7 million (11%) use it once a day.
Six out of 10 takeaways exceed the calorie suggestion for lunch and dinner (Picture: Getty Images)
How to cope with navigating calories
When calorie labels were first introduced to 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 foster warped and disordered relationships with food and calories.
‘[Labelling calories on menus] might mean that someone with an eating disorder will try to divide their portion, skip it altogether, or spend the rest of the day worrying about their overall calorie intake,’ James Davis, a psychologist, personal trainer and sports nutritionist, previously told Metro.co.uk.
‘It could also trigger feelings of shame and anxiety, because they’re used to controlling their calorie intake themselves and it might feel like this is a meal choice out of their control.’
As such, navigating calories and food can be incredibly challenging for people who struggle with eating disorders or have a negative body image.
So, is there a way to cope with navigating calories, particularly when presented on food and takeaway menus?
Don’t get hung up on calorie counts
‘Don’t be overly worried 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’re eating out every night, then yes, you should take more care, but for the occasional meal out, don’t get hung up …read more
Source:: Metro
