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July 2023 - Food

Almost a third of UK consumers prioritise the cost of food over how healthy it is: A survey of UK consumers has revealed that due to the cost-of-living crisis, 31% are prioritising the cost of food over how healthy it is. Almost a quarter of respondents also revealed that they have put on weight in the last year.

The survey by One Poll for Slimming World polled 2,000 UK adults, also finding that of those who have put weight on in the last year, 58% believe the cost of living crisis is to blame. Just under one in five (18%) respondents said that they are aware they are making more unhealthy food swaps now, than they did before rising costs put a squeeze on finances. Two-thirds of respondents also said that they feel it is more achievable to eat healthily and lose weight if you have lots of money.

Weight gain

Almost two-fifths of respondents who had put on weight attributed their weight gain to eating more fast food or comfort eating, with three in 10 saying they feel less motivated to do exercise, and one in five saying they are drinking more alcohol because of the stress caused (20%).

Concerns over rising costs

Eight in 10 people polled in the survey said that they have concerns about rising food costs, with one in five revealing they have switched their normal supermarket as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Almost half of the respondents polled said they do not believe the government is doing enough to support people with healthy eating under such financial pressures. Mental health has also been impacted, found the survey, with 46% of respondents saying their wellbeing has been compromised due to the cost of living crisis and the associated pressures.

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