Long Term Monitoring of Health Inequalities: Headline Indicators – October 2015

Added sugars

Indicator Source: Food Standards Scotland

Latest Results

• The percentage of food energy contributed by added sugars was 14.1% in 2014. Prior to 2011, the figure was relatively stable at between 15% and 16%. There has been little change since the fall to 14% in 2011.
• Intakes over this period were higher than the Scottish Dietary Goal of less than 11% of food energy.^[7]

Figure 7: Proportion of household food energy from added sugars, 2001-2014

About This Indicator

Desired Outcome:

Reduced energy intake.

Relevant Route Map action:

All energy consumption actions.

Indicator Source:

• Food Standards Scotland commissioned Scottish specific analysis of population level data from the ONS Living Cost and Food Survey.

Equalities:

Information is collected on differences in food and nutrient intake by deprivation (using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD).

Geography available: Population level information is collected on differences in food and nutrient intake by urban/rural classification.

Rationale for including this indicator:

The aim of this indicator is to monitor change in the proportion of adults and children consuming energy dense foods. As noted above, prevalence of obesity indicates that energy intakes currently exceed energy requirements with associated health problems.

Factors influencing this indicator:

• Availability, cost, and access to different food types.