Fast food serving sizes increasing

WELLINGTON: Research shows New Zealand fastfood chains have been increasing their serving sizes.

A University of Auckland study looked at almost 5500 fastfood products across 12 food groups at 10 major fastfood chains between 2012 and 2016.

Across all products, researchers found a 5% increase in serving size, a 6% climb in energy density, a 14% jump in energy per serving and a 12% increase in sodium per serving.

The serving size, energy per serving and sodium per serving had gone up in desserts and pizzas, while sodium density, energy per serving and sodium per serving had gone up in sandwiches and salads.

However, there was a significant decrease in serving size and energy per serving in Asian fast food over the five years.

The research follows a University of Otago report last week that revealed two million New Zealanders will be obese in 20 years if trends continue.

The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public

Health showed the average body mass index (BMI) of New Zealanders increased from 26.4 in 1997 to 28.3 in 2015.

Helen Eyles, who led the Fast Food Trends in New Zealand study, said overall New Zealand’s fast foods had become larger and more energy dense over the past five years.

‘‘An important consideration from the study is the impact on young people, the highest consumers of fast foods,’’ Dr Eyles said.

National Nutrition Survey data found 38% of 15 to 18yearolds and 42% of 18 to 30yearolds had consumed fast food in the past month.

‘‘Our fastfood chains should make changes in line with the ‘Healthy Kids Industry’ pledge as part of the Government’s childhood obesity plan, including measurable reductions to the serve size and overall healthiness of products,’’ Dr Eyles said.

She said she hoped the study would encourage the Government to develop and implement guidelines for the fastfood industry.

Researchers did not name specific outlets. — NZME