Many people perform a daily balancing act with calories, pleasure and exercise alongside say fibre and vitamins, carbohydrates and salt.

For me, the adult male benchmark of 2,500 calories has long been a useful reference point.

But there are increasing signs that calorie calculations are not as reliable as we’ve come to believe.

The first big review could apparently lead to us being allowed to consume more calories, which would have to be a major step backwards in the battle against obesity.

The second new line of thinking is that some figures need to be adjusted downwards, as not all calories are bio-available.

Ultimately, accuracy and credibility must prevail, but society also needs to set targets that help achieve a better balance not worse.