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News
Health Experts call for focus on 'Quality' and 'Quantity' of Food Consumed in Tackling Obesity in the UK
Health experts today called for prompt action in addressing the worrying levels of obesity in the UK, with a focus on what is consumed, how much is consumed and the frequently overlooked role of exercise.
Speaking at a breakfast briefing hosted by the Association of Cereal Food Manufacturers’ (ACFM)*, Professor Tom Sanders, Head of Nutrition Research at King’s College London, explained that obesity results from a build up body fat which is the long-term result of an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. He recommended that to address this imbalance, consumers and healthy eating campaigns needed to focus not only on what people eat, but how much is consumed. He expressed concerns on recent recommendations by government regulatory bodies that propose food-labelling guidance based on 100g portion sizes, which can be seen as encouraging higher consumption of certain foods.
During the briefing at the Food and Drink Federation, London, the Breakfast Cereal Information Service (BCIS), revealed findings from a new analysis of the National Diet & Nutrition Survey of Adults (NDNS), which showed that the mean consumption of breakfast cereals is 33g per day in men and 27g per day for women, with 75% of this being wholegrain and high fibre varieties1. Commenting on the new data, Professor Sanders said: “These figures are a real and positive indication of the sort of amount of foods consumed by people, and should be encouraged. It is important that when we are trying to help consumers make healthier food choices, we should take into account the portion size of food consumed, so as to give people a clearer picture of the nutritional contents and benefits of the product without slamming certain food types.”
Professor Stuart Biddle, Head, School of Sport & Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, was also keen to stress the importance of physical activity, especially in children. He commented that with the increasing prevalence of TV viewing and technology-based sedentary behaviours, the nation is seeing a shift from “runner beans” to “couch potatoes”, which does little to address the overweight population.
In order to control weight, both speakers encouraged a well-balanced diet based on cereals, preferably wholegrain with milk, lean meat and fish and plenty of fruit and vegetables, but at the same time advised limiting the intake of popular foods such as snacks, fatty meat products and fried foods. They also stressed the benefits of physical activity in cardiovascular health, obesity, Type 2 diabetes and mental health.
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For further information contact the BCIS Team on:
Tel: 020 7815 3900
Email: info@breakfastcereal.org
Note to Editors
- The briefing is part of a series of themed events for ACFM’s Breakfast Cereal Information Service (BCIS), which is a service bringing easily accessible information on the breakfast cereal industry to the media.
- Visit www.breakfastcereal.org for a full copy of the briefing report and further information on the benefits of breakfast cereals.
- Prof Tom Sanders and Prof. Stuart Biddle are available for further media comment – please contact Efe Abebe on 020 7815 3905
References
1 Henderson, L., J. Gregory, and G. Swan, The National Diet and Nutrition Survey: adults aged 19 to 64 years. Volume 1: Types and quantities of foods consumed. 2002, Office for National Statistics: TSO, London
*The ACFM is the trade association of the UK’s leading breakfast cereal manufacturers. Members are Cereal Partners, Dailycer, Jordans, Kellogg’s, Morning Foods, Quaker, and Weetabix.
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