Public Support for Healthier Food Environments in Scotland - Briefing 2026
This briefing presents findings from a representative survey of 1,415 adults across Scotland, exploring public attitudes to obesity, prevention and the food environment. It highlights strong and consistent support for preventative, population-level action to improve diets and tackle obesity, particularly in the context of ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Key findings:
The results show strong public support for structural, preventative action on obesity, alongside recognition of
individual responsibility:
- The cost-of-living crisis is widely seen as making it harder to eat healthily, particularly in the most deprived communities.
- There is strong support for government action to make healthy food more accessible and affordable.
- Only a small minority think the Scottish Government should prioritise treatment alone to tackle obesity.
- There is widespread concern about childhood obesity and health inequalities.
Associated links, blogs, videos and publications
Publications
Public Support for Healthier Food Environments in Scotland - Briefing 2026