Healthy eating messages are sinking in but despite improving our diets the average weight and waist size continues to increase, new research shows.
A five-year study by the Institute of Fiscal Studies in Britain recorded a 20 per cent drop in average daily calorie consumption compared to 30 years ago.
An average daily diet was found to include 600 fewer calories, equivalent to a complete hearty meal or a big slice of cake, but average weight has ballooned by around 13.5kg.
The study cited Britons’ “couch potato” lifestyle as a contributing factor, but said laziness could not completely account for the average weight gain.
Age was cited as a hindrance to keeping weight down, as the study suggested adult become more susceptible as they get older to the effect of some sugars and fats found in modern food.
Despite the significant weight gain, those studied were found to have much better eating habits at home consuming cereal for breakfast rather than fried food, eating more fish and less red meat, and drinking less alcohol.
However, outside the home, adults were more likely to consumer high calorie snack food like burgers and coffee.
Nutritionist Lola Berry was not surprised by the study, telling aww.com.au stress, lack of sleep, and being time-poor all contributed to modern difficulties with losing weight.
“I definitely notice a correlation between stress levels, sleep and weight gain,” she says.
“We’re more time poor than ever, more stressed out, and when we’re stressed out we increase a hormone called cortisol which stops you from losing weight.”
Australians are working more and sleeping less than ever before, and it’s affecting our eating patterns and our ability to maintain a healthy weight, Ms Berry says.
“If you get less than six hours sleep you’ll find you’re craving sugars. You’ll get hungrier, want sweet things, and don’t feel full,” she says.
While lack of physical activity does account for some weight gain, Ms Berry said diet was most important, and while studies suggest our eating habits are improving, our lack of “mindful eating” is taking its toll on the waist line.
“Maintaining a healthy weight is 70 per cent diet and 30 per cent exercise,” she says.
“We’re eating on autopilot and often skipping meals which party explains why we’re eating fewer calories.
“We need to practice mindful eating — sitting down, enjoying your food, and thinking about what you’re eating throughout the day.”
