New research by Pharmacy Outlet has examined how often Britons indulge in poor eating habits. The online pharmacist commissioned an independent, nationally representative survey among more than 2000 UK adults – this is what it found:
- Thirty-eight per cent of people eat a ready meal at least once a week
- Men (45%) were far more likely than women (33%) to do this
- Twenty-seven per cent eat fast food on a weekly basis
- The figure jumps to 46% among millennials (18-34 year olds)
- Twenty three per cent of UK adults – 11.9 million people – order a takeaway at least once a week, while 18% eat in a restaurant at least once every seven days
- Eleven per cent of people even said they eat leftovers from a restaurant meal or takeaway each week
- Worryingly, just 26% of the UK public manage to eat five portions of fruit and veg on a daily basis
- Ten per cent said they never eat the recommended five-a-day
- A further 10% of people admitted to sharing photos of their food on social media at least once a week.
When it comes to explaining why the UK eats so many ready meals and takeaways, Pharmacy Outlet’s survey also revealed that:
- Twenty-six per cent of UK adults opt for these food options because they are too busy to cook
- Meanwhile, 13% (6.7 million) say they actually do not know how to cook
- Only 27% of people monitor their daily food intake – such as calories, fats and salt levels.
The UK’s high streets are filled with restaurants, takeaways and convenience stores selling ready meals, but just how often do consumers visit these places? Pharmacy Outlet has commissioned research to discover the truth behind the nation’s eating habits.
The independent, nationally representative survey of more than 2000 UK adults reveals which regions eat the most fast food, ready meals, takeaways, restaurant grub and reheated leftovers.
Worryingly, Brits are not faring any better when it comes to monitoring their daily nutritional intake. Only one in four (26%) of the UK public say they manage to eat five portions of fruit and beg on a daily basis.
With a significant proportion of Brits relying on fast food and takeaways, Pharmacy Outlet sought to understand why Brits were opting to purchase readymade food instead of cooking at home.
Hitesh Dodhia, Superintendent Pharmacist at Pharmacy Outlet, commented: “Whether it’s a love of fine food or simply being too busy to cook, there are many factors in our lives that shape our diets. But our research has shown just how often the UK public is indulging in potentially unhealthy eating practices.”
Dodhia added: “The occasional takeaway, ready meal or restaurant dinner is absolutely fine. However, these foods are usually high in fats, salts and sugars – as such, people must be careful not to eat them excessively. What’s more, people have to ensure that lots of water as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables form a critical part of their diets.”
