'Lazy but convenient': One in four young Welsh adults consumes takeaway food twice weekly

A recent study indicates that more than 25% of young adults aged 16 to 29 in Wales consume takeaway meals at least twice a week. According to data from Public Health Wales (PHW), this demographic represents the least healthy age group, with diets heavily skewed toward foods associated with a heightened risk of overweight and obesity.

Dr. Catherine Sharp of PHW emphasized the need to facilitate healthier decisions for young people, noting the sheer ease and convenience of ordering food via mobile phones. She highlighted that young adults often face aggressive marketing tactics, with delivery companies utilizing discounts and deals to attract customers. Additionally, a food historian has suggested that shifts in workplace culture have further influenced these eating habits.

The "Time to Talk" study examined various dietary habits, including the purchase of ready meals, takeaway orders, and visits to cafes and restaurants. PHW stated that the findings underscore how unhealthy food environments may be pushing individuals toward poorer nutrition and greater obesity risks.

The data reveals a sharp decline in takeaway frequency with age: 18% of those aged 30 to 49 reported having two or more takeaways weekly, compared to 8% of the 50 to 69 age group, and just 2% of those aged 70 and older.

Personal accounts from the region reflect these trends. Joe, from Northampton, admitted to ordering two or three takeaways a week, describing the habit as "lazy but convenient." While he believed this frequency was not "normal," he felt it was typical for his peers. His partner, Jess from Southampton, noted that she usually joined him in these orders, though he typically initiated them. She described the statistics as "quite bad," advocating for cooking classes, and pointed out the pressure exerted by delivery apps that make ordering cheaper and easier.

Carl, a resident of Cardiff, consumes two takeaways weekly, a habit he acknowledges is excessive. He admitted he would likely order more if finances allowed, citing convenience over cooking, especially when balancing work. "As I've got older, I should be cooking more for myself, but when you're working it's just easier to get a takeaway," he said.

In contrast, Nancy from Bala expressed shock at the research, struggling to comprehend how young people could afford such frequent orders, as she only indulges in takeaways once or twice a month. Tom, also from Cardiff, avoids takeaways almost entirely, cooking for himself once or twice a month instead. He attributes the prevalence of takeaways to a lack of enjoyment in cooking and emphasized his focus on gym and nutrition, stating, "Knowing what I put in my body is quite important to me."

Izzy and Ben from Cornwall viewed two or more weekly takeaways as unhealthy due to high fat and salt content. However, Ben was not surprised by the findings, describing takeaways as a "nice treat" that leaves him feeling worse afterward.

Dr. Sharp described the findings among 16- to 29-year-olds as the most alarming, citing their high reliance on takeaways, tendency to buy lunch on the go, and preference for larger portions. "It's the amalgamation of these behaviours that is a risk," she told Radio Wales Breakfast. "Foods that are prepared outside of the home are typically higher in calories, in sugar, salt and fat."

To address these figures, Sharp stressed the importance of understanding the drivers behind these behaviors, particularly the accessibility of phone-based ordering. She also called for better education regarding portion sizes for younger people, who may not yet grasp the long-term consequences of their dietary choices. "So it's helping people to understand what a healthy portion looks like as well," she added.

Dr. Eleanor Barnett, a food historian at Cardiff University, noted that the survey results highlight the role of "convenience" and the historical role of takeaways as a "social way of eating." She explained that when fast-food restaurants first emerged in the UK, they served as hubs for youth socialization. "What's happening now is that we..."

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 13:27:01 UTC