Annually Brits are consuming 43 per cent more food than they should be, and consuming over 60 per cent less fresh produce than required, according to a new study by Weight Watchers.
The average Brit is eating their way through 1,270kg of food a year, 384kg more than they need, while eating, on average, 69 per cent less fruit and 75 per cent less vegetables than necessary.
Furthermore, the research claims that as a nation, the UK is consuming seven times more helpings of butter and margarine-type spreads than the recommended annual amount. While every week we are eating four times the recommended amounts of meat, and three times as much biscuits and cakes.
'The current epidemic of overeating is hugely influenced by today's overloaded food environment,' said Zoe Hellman, head of public health at Weight Watchers.
According to Hellman, a culture of 'mindless eating' is making people oblivious to how many food choices they make. The research shows that Brits make 220 food and drink decisions every day, yet are only aware of making about 15.
Hellman added: '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.'
