Nutrition Strategy for Wales

Heart disease is now Wales' biggest killer and rates are substantially higher than in England and many other European countries.

We know that there is a proven link between heart disease and a diet high in sugars and saturated fats.

Meanwhile, 25% of deaths caused by cancer – Wales' second most common cause of death – are attributable to poor diet.

A widening gap in health between the most and least deprived communities is also leading some people to eat a diet dominated by chips, crisps and sugar.

Social and economic circumstances, disability, ethnicity and a lack of basic cooking skills means that many people are led towards less healthy alternatives.

Identifying the barriers to change, as well as establishing innovative ways of overcoming them were just some of the challenges set down for the for the Food Standards Agency as it developed a nutrition strategy for the whole of Wales.

While the strategy targets the Welsh population as a whole, the Agency has also identified a number of key groups for specific action.

Young people and children can clearly benefit from a healthy diet early on in life, while links between diet and low birth weight and an overall improvement in the nutritional status of pre-natal and pregnant women can impact upon mother and baby.

Middle aged men, who are particularly susceptible to coronary heart disease, are another key target group in the Agency's strategy.

Low income and other vulnerable consumers make up the fourth group because research shows that their circumstances can lead them to choose a less healthy diet than their counterparts in higher socio-economic groups.

Using the views, experience and expertise of a number of specialists, the Agency held a number of workshops to discuss ways of breaking down existing barriers to a healthy diet.

We also looked closely at the methods that will encourage the Welsh population to adopt a healthier attitude to diet.