SA just loves junk food: study

Image courtesy of Grant Cochrane / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

This was revealed at the release yesterday, 24 October 2012, of the findings of the Nestlé Rainbow Monitor, a study by TNS Surveys.

The study shows that half of South Africans treat health casually and that 62% are not interested in health or nutrition issues.

The findings also show a disconnection between people's high-energy levels and feelings of health and the actual state of their health.

For example, 58% admit to not doing any exercise, but 91% feel energetic and well.

Despite the lack of interest in health, 33% of women are overweight and 31% obese.

40% of men are overweight or obese.

TNS director Neil Higgs said people have misconceptions about what constitutes healthy food, saying it is thought of as food that keeps them full for a long time.

People also perceive healthy food to be more expensive and want to see the results of healthy eating immediately.

Key findings show that:

• 55% of people think it is more important to feel full than choose food that is healthy; and
  
• 77% choose food on taste, rather than its perceived healthiness, and think healthy food does not taste good.

The study also highlights the growing gap between the rich and poor.

• 41% admit to eating more than they should, whereas almost one third do not get enough to eat;
  
• More than 25% of children do not get enough to eat;
  
• Half of children take a packed lunch to school; and
  
• 63% admit to eating junk food often.

What is also of concern is the fact that 63% of parents admit they have problems convincing their children to eat healthily.

The survey shows 61% of children are looked after by single parents.

Source: The Times