Takeaway epidemic among young people revealed

Young people in Wales eat takeaways, ready meals and at cafés and restaurants more than any other age group, according to research released today. Of those asked by Public Health Wales, 26% aged between 16 and 29 ate takeaway on two or more days in the last week, compared to 18% of 30 to 49-year-olds, 8% of 50 to 69 year-olds, and 2% of those aged 70 years and over. Convenience meals can be higher in fat, sugar and salt which can increase the risk of overweight and obesity, which in turn is linked to poorer health outcomes, including heart disease, some cancers and type 2 diabetes. The experts behind the research say it highlights how unhealthy food environments may be driving poorer diet and increased obesity risk. Additionally, the survey found that more than half of respondents 57% eat lunch away from home at least sometimes and of these, 60% buy it on the go. Among young adults who eat lunch away from home, 77% buy it on the go - the highest of any age group to do this. Differences in portion size behaviours were also reported across the whole sample as nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) said they serve themselves a large portion while over half (53%) said they rarely leave food on their plate, even when they feel full. Young adults reported serving a large portion the most (35%). This is compared to 32% of 30 to 49-year-olds, 21% of 50 to 69-year-olds, and 12% of those aged 70 years and over. Overall, the survey found variation in eating behaviours across the population. Young adults, males, people living in the most deprived areas, and people who perceive themselves to be a heavier weight were more likely to report eating behaviours associated with a higher likelihood of living with overweight and obesity, the report found. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here . Consultant in public health for Public Health Wales, Dr Ilona Johnson, said: “Overweight and obesity affect over 60% of adults in Wales and young adulthood is when people are most likely to gain weight. What we eat and how much we eat affects our weight. "This work has found that young adults and those living in more deprived communities face the greatest challenges when it comes to making healthier food choices and the food environments around them are making that harder, not easier to be healthy. "We know that people want to make better food choices but feel that their environment is working against them. We need to make it easier for people to make healthy choices by providing healthier options." Principal public health researcher at Public Health Wales, Dr Catherine Sharp, said: "This research provides robust, Wales‑specific evidence on how food environments and their interactions with our behaviours shape eating patterns across the nation. Understanding how this works in the real world is critical for developing effective policy. "This research shows where behaviours linked to increased obesity and overweight risk are most prevalent and provides important evidence to support targeted interventions to improve health in Wales."