The online pharmacy found that 38% eat a ready meal at least once a week, 27% eat fast food weekly and 23% order a takeaway over the same period.
Hitesh Dodhia, superintendent pharmacist at PharmacyOutlet.co.uk, commented: “Whether it’s a love of fine food or simply being too busy to cook, there are many factors in our lives that shape our diets. But our research has shown just how often the UK public is indulging in potentially unhealthy eating practices.”
The data also shows that over a quarter (26%) of respondents managed to eat the recommended five fruit and vegetables per day and more than one in ten said they do not know how to cook.
Dodhia added: “The occasional takeaway, ready meal or restaurant dinner is absolutely fine. However, these foods are usually high in fats, salts and sugars – as such, people must be careful not to eat them excessively. What’s more, people have to ensure that lots of water as well as plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables form a critical part of their diets.”