Until recently the proportion of adult cigarette smokers had been decreasing rapidly but the decline has now levelled off. One reason why CHD rates are high in the UK is because the average diet is so unhealthy. In adults, the percentage of food energy derived from total fat in the UK diet is falling only gradually. UK dietary statistics also show marked social class and regional differences in the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables, with adults on lower incomes, and those living in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North of England eating considerably less than those on higher incomes or living in the South. Eating habits in children are also poor.
Few children consume the recommended daily intake of five servings of fruit and vegetables.
The activity needs to be regular, of moderate intensity and rhythmic such as brisk walking, dancing or cycling. It is recommended that adults should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on five or more days of the week. Children are recommended to participate in moderate intensity activity for at least an hour a day. Rates decline steeply in girls after the age of 8 years, with less than 1 in 5 active at the recommended level by the age of 15. The Government recommends daily sensible drinking levels of no more than 4 units of alcohol in men and 3 units in women.