Finding the balance
Could it actually be happening? Could the government be acting on scientific advice?
It seems so!
For in light of growing evidence that obesity increases one's risk of dying after contracting COVID-19, the Prime Minister has unveiled a new strategy to tackle obesity levels in England. On a side note, I think this encouraging in terms of the climate movement, for it means we can continue to hope for stronger climate action so long as activism remains founded on credible scientific knowledge.
Nevertheless, the government’s response has not avoided controversy. With plans to use campaigns to encourage people to “eat better” and “live healthier”, I worry that action will paradoxically facilitate the development of eating disorders among the population.
Exercise and 'healthy eating' is always promoted as the goal, the yellow brick road to a happier place. Yet there can be too much of a good thing. I have seen far too many people close to me become obsessed by numbers; at first it was on the labels or the scales, and now it is in the steps or reps of a gym sesh. Right now, society feeds a yearning for perfectionism that can never be satisfied. You need to drive yourself to the ground before you are worthy of acceptance or happiness in your life.
I also worry that plans to put calorie information on restaurant menus will foster obsessional behaviours around calorie counting, as well as stress and indecision when eating out. Perhaps restaurants could be obligated to provide this information on their websites, or in a modest list at the back of the menu instead. This way, people would have the option to look at nutritional information, but it would not be compulsory.
I have a further concern about the language this campaign will use. No food is a “junk food”; there are only foods which are less healthy than others, and these can be taken in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Labelling foods as “unhealthy” can lead to exclusions of certain food groups, which can in turn cause nutrient deficiencies that are even worse for one’s health than if they ate “unhealthy” foods in moderation. Yet the government and the media continue to describe food in these ways.
I am not alone in my worries, for the UK’s eating disorder charity, BEAT, has heavily criticised the government’s plans, claiming that their recommendations to use evidence-based tactics, avoid the promotion of crash dieting, and - wait for it - even just consult eating disorder experts when creating their strategy, were ignored.
This is unacceptable. I do not doubt that obesity is a public health concern, but so is the rise in eating disorders in recent years. Neither area should be overlooked. In fact, the two are so heavily influenced by the same societal attitudes around exercise, food, body image and weight that I don’t think they can be tackled separately.
In support of BEAT, I therefore ask the government to reconsider its plans by making sure that the campaign:
- Is informed by eating disorder experts and assessed to minimise the risk of triggering eating disorders.
- Is evidence-based and views obesity as a complex interaction between multiple factors, rather than an individual’s choice.
- Does not stigmatise weight, promote crash diets or restrictive eating.
- Reconsiders how restaurants provide nutritional information.
- Reflects on the language it uses around different foods.
If you want to lend your voice to BEAT’s campaign, or simply want to find out more about eating disorders, click the link here. BEAT have provided a template letter and a simple guide on how to send it to the PM himself. Or if you are like me and fail to work technology and send it to No. 10, why not send it to your MP? You can find out who they are using this link.
We all have the power to shape societal attitudes around weight, food and exercise, and have a responsibility for each other. It may seem minor and insignificant, but by becoming aware of the language we use and lifestyles we promote, we can work together to foster good health and wellbeing for all.
H _ M
:)
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