Young Adults in Wales Consume Multiple Takeaways Weekly
More than a quarter of young adults aged 16 to 29 in Wales consume takeaway meals at least twice a week, according to recent research conducted by Public Health Wales (PHW).
The study identified this age group as having the unhealthiest diets, characterized by high consumption of foods associated with an increased risk of overweight and obesity.
Dr Catherine Sharp of PHW emphasized the need to facilitate healthier choices for young people, highlighting the ease and convenience of ordering food via smartphones.
Participants reported feeling pressured by delivery companies that use promotional deals and discounts to encourage frequent orders. Additionally, a food historian noted that evolving workplace cultures have influenced these dietary habits.
The Time to Talk study considered not only takeaway and ready meal purchases but also visits to cafés and restaurants.
PHW stated that the findings underscore how unhealthy food environments may contribute to poorer diets and heightened obesity risk.
Statistics showed that 18% of individuals aged 30 to 49 reported having two or more takeaways weekly, compared to 8% of those aged 50 to 69 and 2% of people aged 70 and above.
Joe, from Northampton, shared that he orders "two or three" takeaways weekly despite acknowledging it as "lazy but convenient."
"I don't think that amount is normal," he said, "but I think it's normal for people about my age."
His partner Jess, from Southampton, usually joins in when they order, though she noted it is "usually his idea."
"The statistics are quite bad," she said, "and we need cooking classes."
"Younger people are under a lot of pressure from delivery companies. If you think about all the discount apps... they are making it cheaper and easier for you."
Carl, from Cardiff, consumes two takeaways per week but agreed this frequency is excessive.
"I would probably get more if I could afford it, as it is just more convenient than cooking," he said.
"As I've got older, I should be cooking more for myself, but when you're working, it's just easier to get a takeaway."
Nancy, from Bala, expressed surprise at the findings, stating she could not understand how young people could afford such frequent takeaways, as she only has them once or twice a month.
Conversely, Tom, from Cardiff, reported rarely consuming takeaways and preferring to cook for himself.
"Maybe once or twice a month. It's convenient, and I think people don't enjoy cooking, so that's why," he said.
"I like going to the gym and nutrition, so knowing what I put in my body is quite important to me."
Izzy and Ben, from Cornwall, considered having two or more takeaways weekly to be unhealthy.
"For health reasons... high fat, high salt... it's not good for you," Izzy stated.
Ben added, "I see having a takeaway as a nice treat, but I always feel worse after."
Health Risks and Behavioural Factors
Dr Sharp noted that the findings among 16-29-year-olds are particularly concerning due to their higher takeaway consumption, tendency to purchase lunch on the go, and serving themselves larger portions.
"It's the amalgamation of these behaviours that is a risk," she told Radio Wales Breakfast.
"Foods prepared outside the home are typically higher in calories, sugar, salt, and fat."
She emphasized the importance of understanding the factors driving these behaviours.
"It's access as well. It's so easy just to order on the phone. I wouldn't know where to start."
Dr Sharp also highlighted the need to educate young people about portion sizes.
"They're young and they won't know for years to come what the consequences of those choices might be.
So it's helping people to understand what a healthy portion looks like as well."
Historical and Societal Context
Dr Eleanor Barnett, a food historian at Cardiff University, explained that the survey results reflect a focus on convenience and noted that takeaways have traditionally been a social eating experience.
"When fast food restaurants appeared in the UK, they were sites of youth socialisation."
"What's happening now is that we're ordering them on our own a lot more at home."
She observed that it is now easy to order any food at any time, with approximately 50% of orders placed by individuals ordering alone.
Dr Barnett also discussed the impact of the cost of living crisis, as concerns rise over the prices of essentials like milk, bread, and eggs.
"It is more expensive, but people think that it's already costing me so much to buy the individual ingredients.
Their attitude is it just doesn't matter anymore."
Additional reporting by Greg Davies and Amelia Shone-Adams.
