Teenage eating habits are poor, with teenage girls worse, risking long-term effects on their health according to new Department of Health data published today.
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey, which was led by the National Centre for Social Research and MRC Human Nutrition Research, found that teenage girls are only eating half their recommended portions of fruit and veg. And just 56% of teenage girls are getting enough iron in their diet.
While both teenage boys and girls are failing to get their recommended 5-a-day of fruit and veg, girls eat on average half a portion less each day than boys.
The findings build on previous surveys and highlight that poor eating habits risk storing up a number of potential problems for later life, such as heart disease and some cancers.
However, the survey did find younger children’s eating habits are improving with parents taking positive steps to give their kids a healthier diet with fewer sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate, and also switching them to high-fibre cereals.
Other key findings from the survey include:
• Only a third of adults are getting their 5-a-day
• Intake of saturated fat and sugar are still too high
• More adults are switching from whole milk towards lower fat versions
• Trans-fats intake is now significantly below recommended levels.
Chief medical officer Professor Dame Sally Davies said: ‘It is really important that teenagers eat a balanced diet – including eating five portions of fruit and veg a day. Eating well and being active can help prevent serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease later in life.
‘For tips on what makes up your 5-a-day and how to be more active, visit the Change4Life website.’
Dr Alison Lennox, one of the nutrition experts involved with NDNS said: ‘We are seeing small but encouraging signs of healthy eating in the UK – more fruit and vegetables and less soft drinks and confectionery, especially by children – but we have a long way to go. Our saturated fat intakes are still too high.’
