King's College London , Department of Nutrition and Dietetics

The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at King's College London developed the Low Income Diet Methods Study in 2001. It was funded by the Food Standards Agency, as a result of growing concern about the diets of people on low incomes and primarily focused on the reasons inhibiting people from eating healthily. The research project compliments the National Diet and Nutrition Survey programme which collects information on the dietary habits and nutritional status of the UK population.

The study had three aims; to compare the effectiveness and acceptability of three dietary survey methods in a cross-section of people living on low income; to make recommendations regarding sampling techniques and dietary methodology appropriate for a pilot study and a national study of diet and low income; to investigate food consumption, eating patterns and nutrient intakes in low income households relating to deprivation indicators, food security measures and other household characteristics and circumstances. 411 respondents completed the study during 2001 and the results are based upon an analysis of 384 subjects in 240 households, including 159 males and 225 females aged 2-90 years, all being obese.

Dr Michael Nelson, senior lecturer at King's College London, was project director, assisted by staff including Dr Bridget Holmes. This project resulted in the publication of a report to the Food Standards Agency, Low income diet methods study, (2003).