McDonald’s calorie counts count for nothing

The fast food chain will display dietary information as part of a wider drive to inform consumers about the foods they eat. But isn't this just for show, asks Mark King

Britain’s life expectancy can be raised with a bit of Japanese-style nannying

Stephen Dunn: Compared with Japan, we are in the midst of a public health crisis. It will take more than a nudge to get us out of it

Chocolate is good for you, declares study (well, sort of)

Be it white, dark or milk, it's better to eat chocolate than to avoid it, concludes large-scale health study. Just don't overdo it!

Dr Dillner’s health dilemmas: should I give up fizzy drinks?

Sugary drinks are linked to obesity - but are diet drinks worse for you or not?

Resisting the supermarket tantrum – and the flirty cartoon cow

Sarah Ditum: Food companies and commercial broadcasters are never going to help you in your quest to stop your child's demands for junk

Dr Dillner’s health dilemmas: should I take antioxidant supplements?

Oxidation in our bodies is a normal process but produces molecules that can damage our cells. What's the best way to minimise the damage?

Most eight-month-old babies consume too much salt, report says

Study warns that 70% of infants consume high levels of salt in processed food, with cow's milk and bread two main concerns

Fast-food study finds calories count for little for most customers

Labelling on food deters only a minority of people from the more fattening choices on the menu, research finds

Comment is free readers on… giving up an unhealthy habit

The people's panel: Five readers share their thoughts on who or what pushed them to change their addictive behaviour

Tough action needed for better public health

Nudging people towards healthier lifestyles has been shown to be unlikely to work. So it's time for some radical action by ministers