Counting calories to no purpose

Great to learn courtesy of Radio Four's Food Programme that too much emphasis is placed on 'counting calories' when people talk about the importance of balanced diets and a healthy lifestyle.  All of this prompted by the surreal comment from the Chief Medical Officer of Health that people in Britain need to eat several billion fewer calories a year in order to combat 'the obesity epidemic', which is itself a questionable concept and shockingly unscientific.  Far more important is the division between those people who cook their own food and those who 'eat out' or buy ready meals and convenience food from supermarkets.  The latter being more likely to develop health issues directly related to their diet.  Interesting discussion too about the meaning of the word calorie, its etymology, and the vagueness and imprecision of much of the language used even by professional nutritionists.