There has been little progress towards improving Scotland’s national diet and health over a 15-year period, according to research conducted by Robert Gordon, Abertay and Newcastle Universities.
The study, funded by Food Standards Scotland, examined annual trends in food consumption and nutrient intakes between 2013 and 2015. This data was then evaluated alongside a previously published report which focused on figures from 2001 to 2012.
The aim of the research was to monitor the nation’s progress towards the Scottish Dietary Goals – first published in 1996, before being updated in 2013 and 2016.
It found that intakes of fruit and vegetables, oil-rich fish, and dietary fibre remain too low, with free sugars, total fat and saturated fat being too high in relation to the goals.
While there has been a small reduction in the levels of free sugars and saturated fat, when compared to the initial 2001 data, progress towards a diet that will improve and support the health of the Scottish population is said to have been very slow.
Dr Lindsey Masson, a nutrition lecturer from Robert Gordon University, said: “In Scotland, 65% of adults are overweight and 29% of adults are obese. Therefore, it is essential that we start to reduce our consumption of foods that are high in sugar and fat – namely biscuits, confectionery, crisps, cakes, pastries, puddings and sugar-sweetened drinks.
“In addition to raising awareness of the health benefits of meeting dietary recommendations, the Scottish government needs to support the population in achieving these dietary goals.”
This study aimed to support work by the Scottish government and Food Standards Scotland to facilitate improvements to the Scottish diet and help reduce the burden of obesity and diet-related disease.
Dr Karen Barton of Abertay University said: “We found differences in dietary intake by deprivation – with households in the most deprived areas consuming significantly less fruit and vegetables, oil-rich fish and fibre than those in the least deprived areas. However intakes for all groups of the population were considerably lower than the Scottish Dietary Goals.
“The fruit and vegetable recommendation in particular is well-known – five portions per day – however that awareness does not seem to translate into changes in our dietary behaviour.”
The study comes just weeks after the Scottish government published a healthy diet plan, including measures to reduce diet-related health inequalities. Restrictions will be placed on the marketing and promotion of goods that are high in fat, sugar or salt, and have little or no essential nutrients.
Children will be encouraged to maintain a well-balanced, nutritional diet, and training will be provided for front-line staff in services working with families, parents and children.
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