West Australian workers urged to steer clear of food delivery

We have developed a new LiveLighter^® advertisement encouraging workers to steer clear of greasy takeaway ordered from food delivery apps, and to reach for a healthy lunch instead, whether they are working from home during a lockdown or in the office.

There has been a meteoric rise in the number of West Australians ordering food via meal delivery apps over the last few years.

The proportion of West Australians using food delivery services has risen from 35 per cent in the first quarter of 2019 to 43 per cent in the first quarter of 2021.¹

In 2020 the four biggest food delivery services in Australia spent half a million dollars more on advertising than in 2019 (from $3 to $3.5 million).²

Our Obesity Prevention Manager, Ainslie Sartori, said that the proliferation of meal delivery apps has made unhealthy food and drinks more accessible than ever before.

“Fast food is loaded with sugar, salt, saturated and trans fats, while being low in fruit, vegies, fibre and wholegrains. It also tends to come in much bigger servings than we need,” Ms Sartori said.

“While meal delivery apps may try to emphasise their healthy offerings, we know that the great majority of meals ordered through these services are junk food, with the top meal suggestions often dominated by offerings from fast food chains.

“The new LiveLighter^® ad links the regular consumption of junk food, particularly fast food purchased via meal delivery apps, to the development of excess body fat, and highlights the increased risk of cancer associated with being above a healthy weight.”

LiveLighter^® dietitian Gael Myers encourages workers to make their own lunch to save money and help resist the temptation of ordering in unhealthy takeaway when under the pump.

“A sandwich or leftovers, a piece of fruit and a handful of nuts make for the perfect no-nonsense lunch,” Ms Myers said.

“For healthier takeaway lunch options try a roll or wrap made with grainy bread and plenty of salad, pasta in a tomato-based sauce, or a vegie-packed burrito or soup.”

The new LiveLighter^® workplace hub has lots of great tips and resources to help people to stay healthy and well during the work day.

The new LiveLighter^® advertisements will run from Sunday 4 July until September 2021.