Survey: One-third of people try to diet
Sharp differences exist in lifestyle between social classes in Finland, a new national health survey suggests. It points out that smoking remains common among the less educated.
Finns in general have, however, cut back on smoking and improved their diet over a long-term period, according to the report published by National Institute for Welfare and Health (THL). On the other hand, consumption of alcoholic beverages has increased and being overweight has become more commonplace.
Last year’s survey reveals that one-third (32%) of respondents made a serious effort to lose weight. Around the same number of people (35%) said they were eating more fresh vegetables.
Of those surveyed, 60 percent of men and 44 percent of women were overweight with a body mass index (BMI) in excess of 25.
Alcohol consumption was up slightly compared to the previous year. Some 41 percent of men said they drank at least eight units alcohol per week while 28 percent consumed at least five servings weekly.
The survey showed differences in lifestyle between various social groups. Smoking was prevalent among those with fewer years of formal education. Dietary habits have improved across all social strata, but those with a higher education tended to eat in accordance with nutritional recommendations.
The THL has surveyed adult lifestyle trends annually since 1978 by means of a postal survey. Last year 2,787 Finns participated in the study.
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