Unhealthy diets are bad for the environment, study finds

Scientists say that cutting out less nutritious food and drink will be better for the planet’s health as well as our own, writes Peter Stubley

A selection of branded biscuits and sweets on offer at UK supermarkets (PA)

Unhealthy food and drink such as cake, sweets and alcohol account for nearly a quarter of diet-related greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.

The research, which analysed at more than 40,000 branded items and 3,000 generic foodstuffs, suggests that changing our eating habits could help fight the climate crisis as well as improve our personal health.

By providing a far more detailed picture on the impact of a person’s diet than previous studies, the study suggests ways that people can take individual action to limit their impact on the environment, according to the team at the University of Leeds.