Generation putting their health at risk as almost half eat dinner on sofa or in bed rather than at table
A GENERATION is putting its health at risk by shunning the dining table in favour of eating on the sofa, on the floor or in bed.
The surge of casual dining has been created by millions of Gen Zs having their cooked meals delivered and favouring dishes laden with ultra processed foods (UPFs).
Set meal times used by their parents and grandparents have been abandoned and many are eating alone and falling into bad nutritional habits, according to research.
A study has shown that more than 30 per cent of Gen Zs, who are aged 18-27, choose to eat their meals on the couch, 8 per cent in bed, while 3 per cent just sit on the floor.
The figures are a stark contrast to the 80 per cent of Boomers, aged 60-78, who prefer to eat at the dining table and, generally, enjoy more balanced diets.
“Ultra processed foods are taking over the way we eat and creating a generation whose poor eating habits are putting them in danger,” says Steve Bennett, a campaigning health entrepreneur.
“This is a real tipping point with people choosing convenience over health.
“It is now easy and commonplace for Gen Z to order takeaways at any time of the day and night.”
He added: “This is a significant, and damaging, change to our attitude to food.”
Gen Z are also opting to order over cooking with 40 per cent admitting they get a take away at least once a week.
Despite the poor dining habits over 60 per cent of those surveyed understood the risks of weight gain and chronic disease associated with UPFs.
And 62 per cent understood the importance of fibre in our diets.
Bennett, who has written books on nutrition and funds research into the impacts of diets, believes the drift from traditional meal times and cooking is creating health issues and further pressure on the NHS.
“Despite being aware of the risks associated with UPFs, people are no longer buying fresh ingredients or reserving the time to cook and prepare a nutritious meal to be enjoyed with friends and family,” he adds.
“It is worrying that this younger generation is drifting away from meal times and piling in ultra processed foods at different times of the day and night.
“There is nothing wrong with a takeaway now and again but the nation needs to get back to the dining table and have meals together where possible.
“It is good for the soul as well as the body.
“A good relationship with food is critically important to maintaining personal health, taking the pressure off the NHS and providing opportunities to get together rather than having a solitary existence.”
He added: “Sitting on the floor or sofa or lying in bed is bad for you health wise.
“Firstly it is bad for digestion. You don’t digest properly. You are also less likely to see what you are eating so it encourages over-eating.
“When you are not mindful of what you are eating you over-eat.
“There are no signals to the brain as you are distracted so you don’t feel full. Overall it can turn you into a couch potato.”
Bennett’s Fibre First book, an in-depth investigation into the human body and the impact of UPFs, was published earlier this year.
He is calling for stricter regulations on UPFs to help the nation rebalance its health.
The survey, involving 1,100 respondents across the UK, was carried out for the book.