NHS calorie targets ‘should be cut’ to reflect lazy lifestyles

DAILY calorie targets should be cut because modern lifestyles mean people do not need as much food as their parents, a study has suggested.

An analysis of 30 years of data by the London School of Economics claims to prove that the obesity crisis is largely driven by modern lifestyles, which have allowed us to become so interconnected that people barely need to leave their desks or sofas to work, socialise or shop.

Traditional meals recommended by our parents are now too much for a less-active generation.

Trade deals between countries have caused food prices to tumble, creating unlimited access to unrestricted calories for most people, while on-tap entertainment through television, smartphones and personal computers has replaced many hobbies and activities.

Recommended calorie counts of 2,500 for men and 2,000 for women have been around since the First World War, when people moved far more in their daily lives. The study suggests they may now be too high.

Dr Joan Costa-Font, one of the study’s authors, said: “As lifestyles have slowed down and become more sedate, people haven’t amended their calorie intake accordingly. We should all eat less.”

Obesity rates have trebled in the past 30 years and the medical costs related to overweight conditions is around £6 billion a year, with a further £10 billion spent on diabetes.

The study focused on 26 countries, including the UK, between 1989–2005. “It is probably no coincidence that the UK has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, while it is also one of the world’s most globalised, advanced economies,” said Dr Costa-Font.