Teenage girls faired the worst, according to the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, as only one in 13 girls (7%) aged 11 to 18 ate their recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables each day, and on average only consumed 2.7 portions. Boys only did slightly better, with only one in eight (13%) eating their recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables, and averagely consumed 3.1 portions. Further, 44% of teenage girls did not get enough iron in their diet.
The study revealed that adults scored better than teenagers, but still not eating their recommended minimum amount of fruits and vegetables. Adults ate an average 4.2 portions, while those aged 65 and over consumed 4.4 portions. People in all age groups are also eating more saturated fat than their recommended amount.
However, the results were more promising for younger children. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey found that younger children’s eating habits were improving, as parents were switching their children to high-fibre cereals and reducing their intake of unhealthy foods such as sweets, fizzy drinks and chocolate.
These figures were compiled by the National Centre for Social Research and MRC Human Nutrition Research, and the Government’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies urged ‘It is really important that teenagers eat a balanced diet – including eating five portions of fruit and veg a day’. Davies stated that this can help you take care of the wellbeing of your teenagers: ‘Eating well and being active can help prevent serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease later in life’.
Victoria Taylor is a Senior Dietitian at the British Heart Foundation, and commented that ‘We already know childhood obesity figures increase as youngsters get older so it’s vital that we make sure healthy options that are both appealing and affordable are available to young people.’
Health Minister, Paul Burstow, commented on the survey by saying that ‘our Change4Life campaign will encourage families to take simple steps, such as eating more fruit and vegetables, cutting down on fatty foods and being more active. We want people to know that they can change what they do and make a difference to their health.’