BBQs fuel obesity crisis

New research from the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Programme and Boots reveals that men consume over 3,500 calories and women more than 2,500 at an average BBQ in the UK. With the average family holding more than nine BBQ's this summer, it's no wonder the UK is heading towards an obesity epidemic, with one in four adults currently being obese.

When asked how much food people eat at a BBQ, the market research revealed that on average people eat: two sausages, one and a half burgers, two chicken drumsticks, one and a half meat skewers, fish, a baked potato, a side green salad, pasta salad, a dessert and a bowl of fruit salad, which equates to just under 3,000 calories. The recommended daily calorie intake per day is approximately 2,000 for women and 2,500 for men.

In addition to the main mean, 42 per cent of Brits admit they also continually pick at nibbles such as crisps and nuts when at a BBQ or other summer social gathering, further pushing their daily calorie allowance beyond healthy limits.

A third (32 per cent) of Brits are aware they are eating more food than usual, but 41 per cent chose to "forget" how many calories they are consuming, and eat as much as they like. Tony Ferguson Nutritionist, Sarah Battishall comments: "People use BBQs and other summer social occasions as an excuse to indulge. Every once in a while this is okay, but this year Britain has been very fortunate with the hot weather making BBQs a more regular occasion. The new research reveals that nearly a quarter of people (21 per cent) have already attended more than two BBQs this summer.

"I am amazed at just how many calories people consume at a BBQ and would encourage anyone wanting to sustain a healthy weight, or lose weight, to cut down on the amount of food they eat. Eating your daily calorie allowance in just one meal puts you at risk of gaining weight, which can lead to potential health problems in the future."

The new Tony Ferguson Weightloss Programme, which is available exclusively at Boots, helps people make sensible food choices, without completely cutting out the food they love. Members of the programme can purchase a Tony Ferguson Cook Book, which contains 60 delicious good-carbohydrates, low GI (glycaemic index), low calorie recipes and also healthy cooking tips. So if planning a summer BBQ, why not prepare some tasty and healthy food from the cook book, such as Spiced Chicken Skewers, Tofu Kebabs or a Mixed Green Salad with Harissa Dressing?

The Tony Ferguson Weightloss Programme is a simple, affordable, flexible weightloss programme, based on sound nutritional science and the latest thinking on food psychology.

Notes to editors:
Research conducted by Redshift on behalf of the Tony Ferguson Weightloss Programme and Boots. Sample size: 2,000 adults (1,000 men and 1,000 women). July 2010.