Todays adult consumers worry more about weight than other health issues, according to new DSM research. The study interviewed almost 7,000 people across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and uncovers new insights into the main health issues troubling todays consumers.

The survey shows that health concerns change throughout life as people age. For example, while the top concern for children up to 16 years old is immunity and resistance to disease and colds, adults from the age of 18 to 50 are largely worried about weight. The findings illustrate that this anxiety then shifts again over time – with consumers becoming more concerned about their bones and joints as they get older (from the age of 51).

In addition, the results reveal that up to 45% of people surveyed are worried about not getting the right amount of nutrition and half of those interviewed claim to be looking for foods with high vitamin content. However, despite these concerns, the survey found that only three out of 10 people are eating five different types of fruit and vegetables a day, while just two out of five consumers eat two to three portions of fish a week on average.

The survey is part of DSMs ongoing investment in being a leading supplier of nutritional solutions for various health benefits throughout life.

Maria Pavlidou, head of communications human nutrition and health EMEA at DSM, comments, "The survey has revealed essential insights that we can use alongside our scientific expertise to further support our customers in developing the right products for people at different life stages. Understanding the needs of today’s consumers is just one example of how DSM provides added value to its customers."