Mindless Eating Causes 43% of Overconsumption

LONDONA new study commissioned by the UK Weight Watchers reveals the current epidemic of overeating is hugely influenced by today's overloaded food environment. In the United Kingdom, for example, consumers are eating 43% more food than needed to maintain and healthy diet.

Fatty spreads" are identified as the biggest offender, with the average Brit consuming seven times more than the recommended amount of butter and margarine-type spreads on a weekly basis. Data reveal the average person is eating their way through 1,270kg of food a year (the equivalent weight of a whole football team or 14 baby elephants), that's 384kg more than needed.

Overconsumption was driven by a process of "mindless eating" where people made 220 food and drink decisions every day, yet were conscious of only about 15.

Survey results also find people eat almost four times the amount of meat they should each week, more than twice as much bread and three times as many cookies and cakes. However, when it comes to fruit and vegetables, consumers are actually eating far less than needed69% less fruit and 75% less vegetables.

The current epidemic of overeating is hugely influenced by today's overloaded food environment. With the increased popularity of coffee shop culture and eating on the go it seems that, everywhere you turn, there is yet another place you can buy food, cooked and ready to eat," said Zoe Hellman, head of Public Health, Weight Watchers.

These factors combine to create a process of "mindless eating" where people are oblivious to many food choices they make. Research shows consumers make 220 food and drink decisions every day, yet are only aware of making about 15.