The Scottish Government has recently published the results of the Scottish Health Survey 2016 which show that the average daily consumption of fruit and vegetables for adults reduced from 3.3 portions in 2008 to 3.0 portions in 2016. Consumption was lowest for those aged 16-24 (2.5 portions) and highest amongst those aged 55-64 (3.3 portions). In addition, more women (22%) ate the recommended 5-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables than men (17%).
The survey also showed that almost twice as many men (42%) consumed processed meat products at least twice a week than women (23%).
Children tended to consume foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar more often than adults.
Later this year, the Scottish Government will be consulting with stakeholders in order to develop a new Diet and Obesity Strategy, which will include a range of actions to deliver a new approach to diet and healthy weight management. The recently published Programme for Government 2017-18 also sets out the Scottish Government’s intention to progress measures limiting the marketing of products high in fat, sugar and salt.