Unhealthy diets are to blame for a public health crisis in the North, research has suggested.
People living in the North are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes, develop cardiovascular disease and be obese because of poor eating habits.
They consume less calcium, fibre and fruit than the average across the country, research by the Northern Health Science Alliance’s Nutrition North network found.
There are also 26 per cent more fast food outlets in the North than the UK average, with one for every 1,000 people, the study showed.
Experts linked their findings on diet to the stark health challenges in the region.
The three areas analysed – the North East, the North West and Yorkshire – have the highest mortality rates in the country for preventable cancer, liver disease and cardiovascular disease.
High blood pressure rates are more than 50 per cent higher than the London average.
Researchers say taking action will impact the whole country as the NHS is estimated to spend more than £11.4 billion a year treating and managing obesity alone, with the wider social costs estimated at £74.3 billion annually.
Unhealthy diets are to blame for a public health crisis in the North, research has suggested (Stock image)
Si King, Hairy Biker and television presenter, (pictured) said ‘too many in the North are missing out on the basics’
Hannah Davies, chief executive of Northern Health Science Alliance and executive director of Health Equity North, said: ‘In the North, communities face a huge variety of challenges when it comes to putting healthy food on the table.
‘Northern regions experience higher levels of deprivation so it comes as no great surprise they also have some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the country, and some of the lowest weekly spends on food.
‘It is therefore no surprise that we have the highest rates of preventable diseases, and of conditions such as childhood and adult obesity.’
Si King, Hairy Biker and television presenter, said: ‘Food should nourish us, bring us together, and help us thrive, but too many in the North are missing out on the basics: fibre, calcium, fresh veg and healthy fats. These aren’t luxuries, they’re essentials.
‘We need action now… so that every family in the North has the chance to eat well and live well.’
