More than 90% of Peruvians are concerned with improving their waistlines during the next twelve months, according to new figures published by Canadean.
The study also found that nearly half of respondents were planning to eat smaller portion sizes in order to help them lose weight, and 54% were struggling to maintain a healthy diet.
The findings fall in line with an increasing prevalence of obesity among adults globally, and the situation in Peru has been exacerbated by the country’s growing urban population. The proportion of Peruvians living in urban areas has risen consistently over the last few decades according to statistics from the World Bank, but the benefits of improved pay have not filtered down to people’s diets.
Canadean analyst Joanne Hardman said: “Due to the rise in urbanisation with over 10m living in the capital alone, consumers are working better-paid, but also more stressful jobs. This means disposable income is increasing and more money is spent on unhealthy foods and treats to curb feelings of stress and the pressures from everyday life.
“Consumers in Peru assume eating well means cutting out indulgent offerings altogether, eating less regularly and compromising taste for healthier options. Thus the challenge lies not in educating consumers about obesity related illnesses, but rather in encouraging them to adapt their diets to include more healthy ingredients.”
Perceptions of healthy living among Peruvians needed to move away from the idea that people need to cut out indulgent offerings altogether, eat less regularly and compromise on taste, Canadean said.
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