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15/11/2005
Bad eating habits cost NHS £6bn each year
Poor choice in peoples' dietary habits are costing the National Health Service an estimated £6 billion per year.
A report from a British Heart Foundation team, 'The Burden Of Food Related Ill Health In The UK', indicates that food-related ill health is responsible for around 10% of deaths and illnesses in the UK, costing the health service billions in treatment and care provision.
The researchers estimated that this is equivalent to around three times the care burden placed on the NHS by smoking, and is more than twice the amount spent relating to travel accidents in the UK.
The authors noted that the "vast majority" of the burden was attributable to unhealthy diets rather than to food-borne diseases.
The study was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health looked at death rates from food-related causes, including cancer and heart disease.
While the authors admitted that the methodology was open to criticism, it was nevertheless a good starting point for policy-making in relation to dietary advice on food requirements.
The government sets targets for smoking, but currently there are no such targets for food-related requirements.
The authors called for stricter food labelling and restrictions on advertising to help improve diets in light of the study's findings.
(SP/KMcA)
A report from a British Heart Foundation team, 'The Burden Of Food Related Ill Health In The UK', indicates that food-related ill health is responsible for around 10% of deaths and illnesses in the UK, costing the health service billions in treatment and care provision.
The researchers estimated that this is equivalent to around three times the care burden placed on the NHS by smoking, and is more than twice the amount spent relating to travel accidents in the UK.
The authors noted that the "vast majority" of the burden was attributable to unhealthy diets rather than to food-borne diseases.
The study was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health looked at death rates from food-related causes, including cancer and heart disease.
While the authors admitted that the methodology was open to criticism, it was nevertheless a good starting point for policy-making in relation to dietary advice on food requirements.
The government sets targets for smoking, but currently there are no such targets for food-related requirements.
The authors called for stricter food labelling and restrictions on advertising to help improve diets in light of the study's findings.
(SP/KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
