Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Across the world economic hardships and the lack availability of healthy foods has often led to many individuals consuming high calorie low nutrition foods which are often the only available choice for those with limited budgets. This often leads to increased health problems in the long run putting further strains on individuals on lower incomes. The economic crisis that followed the pandemic has taken this problem much further according to researchers.
A leading nutrition researcher recently raised the alarm on the impact of the economic crisis on the obesity epidemic, in a study that appeared in the journal Obesity.
A Professor, of the Rowett Institute at the University of Aberdeen, Alexandra Johnstone gave evidence that the increasing food insecurity is leading to the consumption of highly processed foods, with increased energy density, fat, sugar, as well as salt.
The study was co-authored by Early Career Researcher Marta Lonnie, who is from the Rowett Institute as well, has called for enhanced policy, behavioral interventions, retail strategies and the requirement for actionable evidence that will tackle dietary inequalities for individuals living with obesity as well as food insecurity.
Professor Johnstone indicated that the rising obesity levels due to result of food insecurity, which is described as the lack of availability to sufficient quantities of safe and nutritious food for normal growth and development as well as an active and healthy life, could seem paradoxical.
“But in the UK, healthier foods are three times more expensive per calorie than unhealthy foods and it has been shown that food sources of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals cost more.”
“For families on low income, the poorest fifth of the UK population need to spend 47% of their disposable income to consume a healthy diet according to the Eatwell Guide, in contrast to 11% needed by the richest fifth in the UK.”
Researchers pointed out the need for urgent action to address this issue in the UK, which is likely to spark interest among health experts across the world who may be facing similar situations.
