Scottish Health Survey

The Scottish Government wants to go further to improve the nation's diet and active lives, Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said today.  

The Scottish Health Survey 2016 shows:

• Adults are consuming fewer biscuits, non-diet soft drinks and more oily fish
• Children eat food high in fat, salt and sugar more often than adults
• At 20%, the proportion of adults and children eating five portions of fruit and veg a day is similar to 2003, the year the current questions were first included in the survey

Ms Campbell said:

“We are working to create a culture where people eat and feel well, have a healthy weight and children learn good habits for life.

“Eating and feeling well can go hand in hand with being physically active. There is a welcome increase in the number of children who are physically active, which we're championing through our ambition to make Scotland the world’s first Daily Mile nation. We are also putting active travel at the heart of transport planning by doubling investment in walking and cycling to £80 million next year.  

“While the survey found a positive shift in the adult consumption of non-diet soft drinks, biscuits and oily fish, as a nation we want to go further to address unhealthy diets and increase physical activity.  

“There is no quick fix, but we can act decisively. We will soon be consulting on an ambitious new strategy to improve Scotland's diet and help address obesity. This will include steps to limit the marketing of foods high in fat, salt and sugar, giving more help for people to lose weight, and ensuring better advice and services to help children and families lead healthier lives." 

Background

The Scottish Health Survey 2016