Many diets are too high in fat, sugar or salt foods (HFSS) and are associated with a higher incidence of many common health problems, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity and tooth decay.

Explanations

• The UK lifestyle trends support a ‘convenience food culture’ high in fat, sugar and salt.
• Between 1990 – 2002 demand for convenience food grew by 44% in UK and 29% in the remainder of Europe
• Real cooking perceived as hard work. 
• No time for ‘proper cooking’.
• Convenience meals less likely to be eaten with fruit and vegetables.
• In 2002 (compared to 1975) fruit consumption has increased but consumption of green vegetables has decreased by 27% .

Outcome of high Fat, Sugar and Salt consumption

Consuming a diet high in fat, sugar and salt combined with a lack of exercise generally leads to obesity. The statistics from the Northern Ireland Health and Wellbeing Survey (NIRSA, 2005/06) showed that:

• A similar proportion of men (25%) and women (23%) were obese.
• (39%) of men and (31%) of women were overweight.
• Overall, 59% of adults measured were either overweight (35%) or obese (24%).