I had a quick look and couldn't see a thread already - if I've missed it, apologies.
From today, larger restaurants/cafes (with more than 250 employees) are required to display calories on their menus as part of the government's anti obesity drive. I understand the science on this is mixed.
However, for those people at risk of slipping into an eating disorder, those with an eating disorder and those in recovery, this requirement may well be extremely challenging and damaging.
I'm a mom to a teen DD who is in early recovery from an eating disorder (by the way if you are too and need support please do join us on the teens thread under the eating disorder board). I know that eating disorders will pounce on anything to wrestle control of their 'hosts' thoughts and actions - it is often an abusive belittling controlling voice that has no off button.
So for many, the ED will be delighted to see those numbers on menus and will punish non ED compliant thoughts/actions. Eating disorders are on the rise and have the highest mortality rate of all mental health illnesses.
There have been commentators (looking at you Dr Hilary) who have questioned whether people with ED's will be in restaurants - they will, for those in early stages it may be part of masking behaviours, for those in recovery it will be part of re-socialisation around food and choice
Restaurants can supply non calorie labelled menus at guests request - so if you feel able please do ask menus/cafes if they have non calorie labelled menus available (even if you choose not to use it!)- I am presuming the more people ask for them the more likely restaurants will ensure a decent supply available. Plus it may help someone in your party to have the confidence to ask for themselves.
If you are eating in restaurant with someone with an ED and you're not sure how to support them - BEAT have some advice www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/advice-for-eating-out-with-calorie-labelling/