The recommended intake of calories for men and women could rise by as much as 16 per cent for both sexes, it has been said.
According to a report from the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition, calorie intake for some teenage and adult men and women could safely be made higher and their findings on the matter are set to go out for the 14-week consultation period to see what final level the intakes will be set at.
However, the decision to release the information has been criticised by some.
Obesity expert and medical director at Healthier Weight Dr David Ashton said: "The scientists who prepared this report must surely have known that their message - whilst technically correct for a small number of people - would be interpreted as a green light for everyone to eat more, exacerbating what is already a public health disaster."
As well as this, Mr Ashton called the recommendation "a mixed message" which did not state all the facts.
