Recent data highlights a shift in Australian dietary patterns, with a projected decrease in fruit intake and an increase in junk food consumption by 2030. This trend moves away from the goals set by the National Preventive Health Strategy, which emphasizes enhancing diet quality by 2030 through increased fruit and vegetable intake and reduced consumption of discretionary foods.
Current findings indicate a decline in fruit consumption, with an expected 9.7% decrease by 2030, dropping to 1.3 serves daily. Vegetable intake remains stable at 3.7 servings per day, below the recommended five servings. In contrast, discretionary food intake has risen, with an 18% increase anticipated by 2030.
Gender-specific predictions show women may face a 13.2% decrease in fruit intake and a 21.6% rise in junk food consumption by 2030. Men are expected to consume more discretionary foods, reaching 6.3 servings per day. Adults over 30 are experiencing declines in both fruit and vegetable consumption, particularly those aged 71 and older. Conversely, young Australians (18–30 years) are increasing their intake of both healthy and discretionary foods, yet still fall short of the recommended daily intake.
The study, based on data from more than 275,000 participants in the CSIRO Healthy Diet Score survey, uses generalized linear models to forecast dietary trends. The research highlights the need to understand the driving factors behind these trends, including social preferences and economic pressures. Further investigation is necessary to address these dietary challenges.
Source: The Conversation