90 per cent believe Scotland’s battle with bulge is a serious, growing problem

As sugar consumed via our beloved fizzy juice has fallen, we’re getting more from other types of food

Nine out of 10 people agree that obesity is a serious problem in Scotland, according to a new study from Food Standards Scotland.

An updated Situation Report from 2015 by Food Standards Scotland (FSS) – The Scottish Diet: It Needs to Change 2018 shows that two out of three adults and almost a third of children living in Scotland remain overweight or obese two years on from the original report. The report also shows that some people in Scotland are consuming large amounts of calories from alcoholic drinks, with average male and female drinkers consuming 1,100 and 810 calories a week respectively from beer, wine and spirits. That equates to roughly half a day’s worth of calories per week.

A second report published this week by FSS monitors purchases and price promotions from retailers and shows no real improvement in the amount of calories, fats and sugar purchased in Scotland from 2010-2016.

The results show that while there is a decline in sugar from soft drinks this has been offset by increases in sugar purchase from other foods.

The research also shows that retail price promotions have recently decreased by around 3 per cent, but continue to be skewed towards less healthy categories.

Geoff Ogle, FSS Chief Executive said: “These results are disappointing but unfortunately not unexpected. For diets to change we need to see price promotions rebalanced and shoppers encouraged to buy healthier foods with less sugar, fat and salt, by making these more affordable. What is particularly disappointing is seeing the reduction of sugar in soft drinks being negated by increased sugar purchase from other food products. However, we hope to see more improvements in response to the sugar levy and reformulation programme launched in March 2017.

“There is some good news though, as public attitudes are changing, with an increase from 50 per cent to 64 per cent of people in Scotland being concerned about our unhealthy diets, and support for taking action to improve our food environment, including calories to be displayed on menus when eating out of the home.”

0 Geoff Ogle is disappointed