\n<\/p>\n
Lead researcher Robert Fletcher said while the study did not investigate the causes behind the rise, he felt there were three key factors.<\/p>\n
He said adults in their 20s and 30s were ones who had grown up during a period when there was a boom in the unhealthy food market.<\/p>\n
“They have been surrounded by unhealthy food in their formative years. On our high streets there has been a proliferation of takeaways and fast food outlets and unhealthy food has been heavily advertised as these age groups have been growing up.”<\/p>\n
He also said the pandemic followed by the cost of living crisis was likely to have had a bigger impact on younger age groups.<\/p>\n
“The stress of looking after children, while working from home and then being able to afford healthy food as inflation increased, has made healthier lifestyles more difficult,” he added.<\/p>\n
Sarah Perman, from the Association of Directors of Public Health, agreed. She said unhealthier options now dominated “our supermarkets, corner shops and fast food outlets”.<\/p>\n
“From infancy, children and young people are bombarded with advertising that encourages an unhealthy diet.<\/p>\n
“It is also far cheaper and easier for individuals to consume foods and drinks high in fat, sugar, and salt than healthier alternatives.”<\/p>\n
Research by the Food Foundation has found healthy foods are twice as expensive per calorie than unhealthy foods.<\/p>\n
Katharine Jenner, of the Obesity Health Alliance, said the environment people in their 20s and 30s have grown up with has had a huge influence on “habit-forming behaviours”.<\/p>\n
She said the digital environment was also likely to be playing a role with younger age groups more likely to be using food apps and spending time on social media, while the pandemic disrupted physical activity and other habits at a “crucial moment”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n