Health and the demand for food in Scotland: economic and demographic effects

Scotland has one of the worst records in the western world for Coronary Heart Disease. The problem is to a large extent diet‐related. The Scottish Office has, therefore, set out a diet plan for Scotland. Its recommendations to the public are in terms of individual foodstuffs. This study using national household survey data and demand modelling based on the Almost Ideal Demand System (AIDS) analyses the economic and demographic factors influencing Scotland’s diet. The analysis shows that Scots are slowly moving from a diet rich in fat and cholesterol to a more healthy diet containing more white meat and fruit and vegetables. Part of the problem is income‐related with the wealthiest segment of the population having the best diet. Age is also a factor with the older people consuming a diet more suitable to the period of heavy industrial labour in which they were brought up.