Under the influence — how we must escape the pressure to eat unhealthily 

In June 2020 the newly elected Government committed to addressing obesity with a Public Health (Obesity) Act, including restricting the marketing of unhealthy foods to children although to date, there is little evidence of progress on this move

Cristiano Ronaldo, at a Euro 2020 press conference, removed two bottles of Coca Cola out of sight of camera, encouraging people to drink water instead.

Eating is strongly influenced by social context. We eat differently when we are with other people. If we eat with someone who is filling their plate, we are more likely to eat more than if we are dining alone. 

Conversely, we might eat less than usual if we think that eating a small amount will create a favourable social impression. If you are having lunch with your boss or your fiancée’s parents, you may be more likely to choose the healthy or less messy option. Even the colour of our clothes influences whether you are likely to go for the Bolognese over the fish.