Socio-economic inequalities in the diet in UK adults

This report expressed concern over whether people in the UK were eating enough fruit, vegetables and oily fish; and whether they were eating too much red and processed meat, sugar and saturated fat. We found that, not only did the sample as a whole not meet recommended intakes, those of a lower SEP fared the worst. For the food groups, the least educated adults ate 128grams a day less fruit and vegetables than the most educated; the lowest occupational class consumed 26grams a day more red and processed meat than those in higher managerial occupations; and the highest income group were four times more likely than the lowest to have consumed any oily fish. The amount of calories from sugars (non-milk extrinsic sugars) was around two percentage points higher in the lower SEP groups. No pattern of saturated fat consumption was found for any of the socio-economic indicators. So, what does this mean for action to tackle health inequalities? Our study provides up-to-date evidence about specific food groups that are of concern for public health nutrition, and is a reminder of the importance of monitoring dietary trends in a time of entrenched and rising inequality. It also adds important detail in terms of how different aspects of life experience and social position can affect what we eat. For instance, income or occupation may affect our material ability to access a healthy diet, or education may equip us to make healthier choices. When developing policies and interventions to ...
Source: The Nutrition Society - Category: Nutrition Authors: Source Type: news