Dieters ‘are losing their sense of balance’

Against a backdrop of rising obesity, 22 per cent of men and women begin a diet every few weeks while 36 per cent look for the least-fattening items in the supermarket. Among women, 43 per cent regularly shop for low-calorie food despite 63 per cent believing there is too much pressure on them to slim down.

When it comes to fruit and vegetables, around 60 per cent of men and women eat the recommended five portions every day, meaning four out of 10 are missing out. Only a quarter of those aged 16 to 24 consume their five-a-day compared to almost three quarters of over-65s.

Despite good intentions, many people admit to putting sweet treats in their trolley alongside low-calorie foods. Half of mothers admitted their shopping basket is usually influenced by what their children like and three out of 10 reward a child’s good behaviour with an unhealthy treat.

The study of 2,000 consumers was carried out for Seven Seas supplements.

Overall, seven out of 10 people said they would like to improve their health but many admit they are too busy to do so.

Dr Emma Derbyshire, a nutritionist from Manchester Metropolitan University, who contributed to the report, said: “While magazines and TV schedules are full of celebrity chefs, food and recipes, our diets seem to be losing their balance with potentially-alarming consequences.

“It would seem that we are still struggling to grasp the concept of ‘good nutrition’ and the reason why we eat food in the first place.

“Though it is important to acknowledge calorie intake, this must not come at the expense of eating a balanced and varied diet, low in saturated fat but also rich in vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids.”