Fears over food and drink habits

Nowadays, people are drinking more alcohol and cosuming less fruit and vegetables. People prefer fast food or instant or ready-meals which has led to obesity.

The findings come from a government study into consumption trends in 2003 to 2004.

Alcohol consumption increased by 9% from the previous year, the survey of 17,000 people showed.

It also showed a 1.6% fall in fruit and vegetable sales, meaning people ate 3.7 portions a day on average - well short of the "five-a-day" target.

Nutritionists said the trends were "worrying" with obesity on the rise.

In the UK, adult obesity rates have almost quadrupled in the last 25 years with nearly one in four adults classed as obese or overweight.

Read more: Fears over food and drink habits