By Daniel Cecura

Food and alcohol consumption are critical issues in Scotland – issues that are affecting society and life. Reporter Daniel Cecura talks to an expert and exposes the opinion of the citizens in this topic.

Figures show rickets is on the rise in Scotland. Cases have rocketed by 25 per cent from 354 in 2018 to 442 in 2022. So is there a problem in food consumption in Scotland? Deborah Shipton is the Intelligence Principal Public Health Scotland. She gives us an expert insight into the food consumption in Scotland.

“We have too much processed meat.”

Deborah Shipton, Public Health Scotland

Deborah Shipton clearly shows that Scotland has some food consumption problems. Not only is the consumption of processed meat problematic, but also a diet that is too meat-heavy and too little consumption of vegetables and fruit. In addition, the Scottish population does not get enough physical activities and at the same time there are problems with poverty and depression. Therefore, it is not only the diet itself that is a problem, but also access to and awareness of healthy eating. All these are problems that lead to a noticeably high obesity rate in Scotland.

“For too long our food system has been broken, and needs to be transformed to deliver a fairer, healthier and sustainable food system for Scotland.”

Obesity Action Scotland

Not only organizations like “Obesity Action Scotland” are concerned, but also the opinion of the citizens shows a clear opinion. Too much fried food, a lot of meat and fat, and a dependence on bakeries like Greggs that sell fatty and sugary food. A report from Food Standars Scotland gives also an insight.

Besides the healthy diet, alcohol is also a problem in Scotland. Recently, the prices of alcohol have been increased significantly. Expert Deborah Shipton points out that there was a significant problem with alcohol especially in Scotland and that the price increase was necessary. This has reduced the consumption from alcohol, especially of spirits and cider – and, mostly important, reduced the death rate from alcohol.

It was a particular problem in Scotland. We had a much more significant problem with alcohol. As a result there was a much higher level of deaths.

Deborah Shipton, Public Health Scotland

There were 35,187 alcohol-related hospital admissions (stays) in Scotland in 2021/22. A report from the Public Health Scotland gives more insights about that topic.

But what do citizens think about the price increase? The opinion is very negative, because only a minority is addressed with the issue and the majority is influenced by it. Moreover, the price increase brings problems for pubs, bars and hotels. Furthermore, the citizens do not believe that it will solve the problem, as people will simply pay more for alcohol and thus poverty will become even higher.

“If people are addicted, they are not going to worry about the prices”

Citizen Alister

A look into the future shows that the issue is very important for Scotland. The price increase of alcohol was one measure taken by the government, but it is clear that more measures are needed to move food and alcohol consumption in Scotland in the right direction.