June 03, 2026 - 263 views
More than a quarter of young adults in Wales are eating takeaways at least twice a week, according to new research which has raised concerns about the impact of unhealthy food environments on the nation’s waistline.
The study by Public Health Wales found that people aged between 16 and 29 were the most likely age group to regularly consume takeaways, with 27% reporting they ate them two or more times each week.
Researchers said younger adults were also more likely to have diets high in foods linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese.
The findings come as Wales continues to grapple with high levels of obesity. According to public health data, more than half of adults in Wales are overweight or obese, while excess weight remains a significant risk factor for conditions including heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Dr Catherine Sharp, of Public Health Wales, said healthier choices need to become easier for young people to make.
She said the rise of food delivery apps had transformed the way people access meals, making it possible to order food quickly and conveniently with just a few taps on a smartphone.
Young adults who took part in the study reported feeling targeted by promotional offers, discounts and loyalty schemes from food delivery companies, making it harder to resist unhealthy options.
The research, known as the Time to Talk study, examined people’s eating habits across a range of settings, including takeaways, ready meals and visits to cafés and restaurants.
It found a clear age divide in eating patterns. While 27% of 16 to 29-year-olds reported eating two or more takeaways a week, the figure fell to 18% among 30 to 49-year-olds, 8% among 50 to 69-year-olds and just 2% among people aged 70 and over.
The findings may resonate in North Wales, where town centres and retail parks have seen a growing presence of takeaway outlets and food delivery services in recent years. In larger communities such as Wrexham, Bangor, Llandudno and Rhyl, app-based food deliveries have become increasingly common, particularly among students and younger working adults.
Food historian and broadcaster Polly Russell said changing lifestyles have also played a role. She suggested that busier working patterns, fewer traditional meal times and the growth of convenience culture have all contributed to people relying more heavily on takeaway food than previous generations.
Public Health Wales said the research highlights the need for wider changes to food environments, making healthy options more accessible and affordable, rather than relying solely on individuals to make better choices.
The organisation hopes the findings will help shape future policies aimed at improving diets and tackling obesity across Wales, particularly among younger adults who are most at risk of developing unhealthy eating habits early in life.
