A poll out today, commissioned by Sainsbury's, names Teachers living in Brighton the healthiest people in the UK. But if you are a Mechanic from Sheffield you might be one of the unhealthiest in the country.
The poll questioned 2800 people from around the country on lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol and junk food consumption, exercise habits and levels of activity in a standard working day. The results were fed into a formula devised by leading psychologist Anjula Mutanda and each participant was given a health rating of between 0 and 20.
From this equation it was found that as a nation we score 7.78 with the average Brit drinking alcohol twice a week, eating fast food occasionally, driving to and from work, being predominantly deskbound and taking gentle exercise two or three times a week.
According to the report the top 5 healthiest cities in the UK are:
1. Brighton
2. Glasgow
3. Cardiff
4. Plymouth
5. Bristol
And the top 5 unhealthiest cities are:
1. Sheffield
2. Leeds
3. Manchester
4. Southampton
5. Norwich
It will come as no surprise that the residents of Brighton are also the healthiest eaters in the UK. Sales data from Sainsbury’s reveals that those down on the South Coast eat 13% more fresh fruit and vegetables than their nearest rivals Glasgow who come second in the poll.
The study, which also looked at respondent’s professions found that whilst those in full time education were the healthiest, teaching is by far the healthiest of all professions.
Mechanics and factory workers had the lowest scores which can, in part, be attributed to the sedentary nature of their business and their need to eat on the go.
The top 5 healthiest professions in the UK are:
1. Student
2. Teacher
3. Retired
4. Homemaker
5. Doctors
And the top 5 unhealthiest are:
1. Mechanic
2. Factory workers
3. Shop workers
4. Bankers
5. Unemployed
Contrary to popular notion youngsters are by far healthier than their older counterparts. The research found that 16-24 year olds were the healthiest age group scoring a whopping 9.29 whilst 40-45 year olds scored and average of just 7.40.
The findings have been published today to coincide with the launch of the new look Be Good to Yourself (BGTY) range from Sainsbury’s which is now even healthier. The range has been expanded with over 120 new products designed to help you stick to your healthy new years resolutions.
Further sales data released by the supermarket shows:
• The UK’s melon metropolis turns out to be Glasgow [with Belfast in second place!]
• Geordies gobble more pomegranates than anybody else [out-buying Londoners by 12%]
• Mancunians munch down more passion fruit than anyone [bar those based in Brighton]
• Glaswegians like to gorge on garlic [with third highest sales after London and Brighton]
Leading Behavioural Psychologist Anjula Mutanda who worked with the supermarket on the Sainsbury’s Health Index comments:
“These results reflect the diverse influences on our eating and healthy living behaviours. Family, culture, personal taste, environment, peers and emotions all play their part in our food and lifestyle choices.
“In early life our parent’s attitudes tend to shape our choices of food as they prepare most meals, and decide on eating habits and routines. But as children get older, they may continue to eat certain foods habitually because that is what they were brought up on. This could explain some of the distinct regional differences in health highlighted by this survey.
“Children are not only influenced by their family culture, but also by their friends and advertising. This could well start to explain some of the differences we are seeing between the age groups in this study.
“In the work place, peoples eating behaviour is affected by their environment. If a person works in a setting, that emphasises eating on the go, and does not prioritise enough time out for lunch, then this places limits on what a person may choose to eat.
As Brighton is a young town housing plenty of professionals and known for its outdoor lifestyle it is no great surprise that the town is leading the way in healthy living.”
Commenting on the findings, Head of Health at Sainsbury’s Elizabeth Roscoe, comments:
“The study reassuringly shows that more and more young people are taking up the governments recommendation to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and exercise moderately.
“However Sainsbury’s is committed to making healthy living accessible to all regardless of profession, age or region. This is why we have relaunched the Be Good To Yourself range and added so many delicious new products. It is also why we have added green apple stamps to many of our healthy lines so customers are easily able to make healthy and informed food choices whilst in store. “
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