Aviva’s Health Check UK report: 48% of UK adults are overweight or very overweight

• Millennials (18-34 year olds) eat 10 takeaways per month – five times as many as the over 55s
• Fish and chips tops the nation’s takeaway list – but millennials prefer pizza
• Almost half (48%) of UK adults are overweight or very overweight
• 77% of UK adults agree that diseases often associated with poor lifestyle choices, such as type 2 diabetes, are putting too much pressure on the NHS

• 89% of UK adults agree that as a nation we all need to look after our own health more, to relieve pressure on  the NHS

LONDON, 07-Dec-2016 — /EuropaWire/ — Millennials (18-34 year olds) eat five times as many takeaway and fast food meals as those aged 55 and over, Aviva’s Health Check UK report shows. With pizza and other Italian foods topping the takeaway menu for millennials, almost one in ten (9%) admits to eating at least one takeaway or fast food meal every day.

Takeaway consumption decreases steadily with age, as the quest for convenience means younger generations are shunning traditional home cooked dinners in favour of a quick meal fix.

Parents with children under 18 also admit to eating takeaways and fast food more regularly than the average UK adult (6 takeaways on average per month compared to 5). Perhaps unsurprisingly, full time workers order more than double the number of takeaways (8) per month as those who do not work (3), while part time workers order 5 takeaways on average per month.

With nearly half of the UK already overweight or obese (48%) according to Aviva’s data, the higher frequency of takeaway consumption among younger adults and parents with younger children reveals a worrying trend that may be contributing to the nation’s growing waistlines.

Generations battle over their favourite takeaway/fast food choice

Fish and chips tops the list as the nation’s overall favourite takeaway or fast food choice, followed by Chinese, and pizza/Italian food.  However, Aviva’s research revealed clear differences in top choices amongst the younger and older generations, with millennials preferring pizza/Italian.

Most popular takeaway / fast foods

Aviva’s data suggests that most UK adults are already aware that they could be doing more to keep themselves healthy. Nine in ten (89%) agree that as a nation, we need to look after our own health more to help relieve pressure on the NHS, while three quarters (77%) agree that illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, often associated with poor lifestyle choices, are putting too much pressure on the NHS.

Dr Doug Wright, Medical Director at Aviva UK Health said:

“We all love a takeaway now and again, and it’s really convenient to be able to get food delivered direct to the sofa after a busy day. But with our data showing that young adults are eating takeaways far more regularly than older generations, it’s important to spread the message that takeaways should be enjoyed in moderation.

“Many of our favourite choices contain a high calorie count, and could mean we hit our salt, sugar and fat allowances for the day, in just one meal.  Good nutrition is a cornerstone of overall health and feelings of wellness, so these types of treats need to be regarded as just that – an occasional indulgence.”

For more advice on keeping healthy, read our full report.

 – Ends –

Further information:

If you are a journalist and would like further information, please contact:

Aviva Press Office: Jess Geoghegan 01904 684128:  jess.geoghegan@aviva.com

Or Monique Crockett: 01904 684128: Monique.crockett@aviva.com

Methodology: Aviva’s Health Check UK report research

All percentages and figures shown in this report (unless otherwise cited) come from an online survey conducted by ICM research for Aviva UK Health. The survey was carried out in August 2016.

Respondents were invited from ICM’s online panel and 1,996 interviews were conducted amongst a nationally representative sample of the UK adult population.

Notes to editors:

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SOURCE: Aviva plc