If you’re a dietitian, a recent survey by the BBC suggests that there are plenty of UK residents who could benefit from your services. In a poll of 9,000 people from 13 different nations, the UK was found to be the most fond of fast food.
The survey, which was conducted by market research firm Synovate, investigated global attitudes towards weight and eating habits. It indicated that people were getting fatter throughout most of the world, although some parts of Asia were unaffected.
Most respondents in the survey blamed their weight problems on the vast range of food that is now available. When asked whether they would consider giving up fast food, a massive 45% of respondents in the UK said: "I like the taste of fast food too much to give it up." The USA, a country renowned for its unhealthy eating habits, followed closely behind with 44% of respondents claiming that they could not give up unhealthy food.
While British respondents admitted that they had “no self discipline,” the French were found to carefully monitor their weight by weighing themselves every day. The results also indicated that Saudi Arabians and residents from the United Arab Emirates were relatively healthy with a high consumption of low-fat food, heath supplements and meal replacements.
In the future, residents of the UK should follow the example of these countries by switching from fast food to healthier options. Obesity is associated with a number of health problems, including heart disease, some cancers and Type II diabetes, which means that its rise could have an overwhelming impact on the NHS and other healthcare systems throughout the world. As International Obesity Taskforce spokesperson Neville Rigby said: "(Obesity) is serious for individuals, but it is also serious for countries."
Ultimately, as a dietitian, it is essential for you to engage with the UK’s unhealthy eaters and help them to understand the importance of staying away from fast food. By doing so, you will not only help them to look and feel great, you’ll also be reducing strain on the NHS.
Source:
BBC
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