Australia’s national science institute is predicting a concerning trend away from fresh foods and towards ultra-processed fare.
Australians are eating less fruit, not enough vegetables, and more “discretionary” foods—those considered unhealthy, according to new research by Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Compared to 2015, junk food consumption has increased by 0.7 serves per day.
CSIRO’s predictive modelling suggests that this diet trend will continue, with ultra-processed foods and sugary drink intake expected to jump by 18 percent by 2030, while fruit consumption is expected to drop by 10 percent.
Vegetable consumption is set to remain at a similar rate to current studies, but even that is below the minimum for national guidelines.
The study also found that those aged 18 to 30 are the most likely to show more positive eating habits but are still eating too much junk food.
On the other hand, Australians aged 71 and over are most likely to decline in fruit consumption, with an expected drop of 14.7 percent drop in the next five years.
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Senior CSIRO Research Scientist Gilly Hendrie said the findings were a powerful early warning system.
“Rather than waiting to see the impact of poor dietary habits, we can now identify concerning trends and intervene before they become major public health issues,” she said.
“The gap between our current dietary trajectory and our national health targets is widening.
“We have five years to get back on track with our diets and reverse these concerning trends.”
Australian guidelines determine that people should consume two serves of fruit and five servings of vegetables per day.
Junk food should be reduced to make up no more than 20 percent of total energy intake.
