Health awareness vs action

The facts about public health are often quite different to consumer perceptions. Yet perceptions are what shape decisions. A recent survey for the UK-based Grocer magazine put this into perspective.

• 88% say they consider their health when making food and drink choices.
• 74% believe they eat a balanced diet.
• 46% feel they alone are responsible for their personal health.
• Yet only 33% achieve the recommended 5 fruit and vegetable portions a day – the average is 3.7 portions.
• Just 30% exercise for the recommended half an hour three times a week.
• And 29% ignore all nutrition labelling.