What we eat

The Evidence

What we eat can increase our risk for a range of cardiovascular conditions. Diets with high levels of salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure which can then put additional strain on our blood vessels, heart and other organs, leading to increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Diets with high levels of fatty foods can increase the risk of high cholesterol which can cause our blood vessels to narrow and increase our risk of developing a blood clot and stroke. Diets with high levels of fat, salt and sugar can increase our risk of type 2 diabetes.  

Being underweight or overweight is not good for our health, but what’s really important is that we eat a healthy, balanced diet. It is a vital part of maintaining good health, a healthy weight and reducing our risk of cardiovascular disease.  

How do we shape up?

• Torbay adults have similar rates of overweight and obesity to England 
• Currently, 26% of reception age children in Torbay are overweight and 36% of children in year 6 are overweight. Rates at Reception age are higher than the England average and rates at year 6 are similar to the England average. 
• Those living in the most deprived areas are far more likely to be overweight, with less access to healthy food and physical activity – 72% compared with 58% in England overall 

Percentage of adults classified as overweight or obese by age band - England (2015/16 to 2020/21)

View the data in an accessible table format

 Source: Fingertips

What can we do?

The Eatwell Guide from the UK Government has good advice on the types and proportions of foods needed for a healthy balanced diet to promote long-term health:

• eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day
• base meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta, or other starchy carbohydrates, wholegrain where possible
• consume some dairy or dairy alternatives (like fortified soya drinks), choosing lower fat and lower sugar options
• eat some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish every week, one of which should be oily)
• consume smaller quantities of foods and drinks high in fat, salt, or sugar