A new study, called Dietary Intake in Scotland’s Children (DISH), is raising concerns about the dietary habits of children in Scotland. It is the first significant survey to have taken place in the last 15 years, and has revealed alarming health inequalities.
The research, published on Monday (January 27) shows that children in the most deprived areas of Scotland are experiencing the highest levels of food insecurity and are struggling the most to meet their dietary goals compared to kids and young people living in the least deprived areas.
The survey involved 1700 participants ranging from the ages of two to 15, to help understand the diets of children and see if there is a chance of Scotland meeting the government’s goal of halving childhood obesity by 2030. Unfortunately, the results have shown that we may be going in the opposite direction.
DISH was carried out on behalf of Food Standards Scotland (FSS) by the Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems at the University of Edinburgh and Taylor McKenzie Research and Marketing. The research has found that most children are exceeding their maximum recommendations for energy density and free sugar, while falling short of fibre and other essential nutrients.
Heather Kelman, chair of FSS said: “The findings from this report are extremely concerning, yet sadly not surprising. They serve as yet another reminder of our nation’s poor diet, with the very real consequences being felt now.
“A key question now is how many ‘wake up calls’ do we need before we start to seriously address this and take immediate action to improve our food environment and make it easier for families to access affordable, healthy food.”
She added: “Foods and drinks high in fats, sugar and salt account for an unhealthy amount of our children’s diets. Urgent action is needed by industry and government to shift the dial if we are to make real progress towards the Scottish Government’s ambition to halve childhood obesity by 2030. Without this, we risk jeopardising the health of future generations growing up in Scotland.”
Socioeconomic differences were extremely evident in the research, with children in the most deprived areas consuming less fruit and vegetables. They are also less likely to meet fibre goals than those in the least deprived areas.
Additionally, teenagers aged between 11 and 15 were seen to consume less fibre than younger children. According to the NHS, children between two and five need to consume 15g of fibre a day, kids from five to 11 need around 20g, and teenagers require about 25g.
The survey also showed that food insecurity impacts nearly one in five families in the country, with rates much higher in the most deprived areas of Scotland. On top of this, only eight per cent of children are meeting the recommended Scottish Dietary Goal for free sugars – sugar which is added to food and drinks – which should not be higher than five per cent of a person’s calorie intake.
Senior public health nutritionist at FSS Alana McDonald has said that the research highlights the important need to address the poor diets of Scotland’s children and young people, and that policymakers and those in the food industry need to work together to make this happen.
She said: “Although the survey shows that some children’s diets partially meet recommendations, the findings highlight critical areas that require attention, especially in reducing intakes of sugar and energy-dense foods while increasing intake of fibre, fruits, and vegetables, particularly in more deprived areas.
“The food industry, policymakers and investors all have a major role to play in improving our diet and reducing diet-related inequalities, and the scale and urgency of the changes needed will require collaboration across all parties.
“Creating a healthier food environment by ensuring affordable, nutritious options are always available where we live, work, and learn is the most effective way to reduce inequalities, promote longer, healthier lives, and safeguard the health of future generations.”
Professor Lindsay Jaacks from the University of Edinburgh said: “We are so grateful to the nearly 2,000 families across Scotland who participated in this survey.
“Findings suggest that younger children are generally consuming enough essential vitamins and minerals, but too much sugar and salt. Adolescents, on the other hand, are not generally consuming enough of some key vitamins and minerals like iron, and get about a fifth of their calories from discretionary foods like soft drinks and confectionery.
“There are many opportunities for the food industry to support children and young people in meeting dietary goals especially by reducing the sugar and salt content of commonly consumed foods like breakfast cereals, bread and yoghurts.”
The researchers stress the importance of policymakers, the food industry, schools and communities working together to support healthier diets in Scottish children by improving the food environment. Food insecurity is also a problem that needs to be tackled, especially for those in vulnerable families.
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