GROWING UP IN the 1970s, one thing that stood out to me was how slender bodies were considered the standard. Compare that to 2024, where 63% of the UK population is overweight or obese. As a personal trainer and coach, I’ve seen countless fads come and go. Despite having more knowledge and resources today, changes in eating habits, physical activity, and cultural norms have profoundly reshaped our bodies and even our environment—down to the size of our cars.
Food: Then vs. Now
Reduced Portions, Lower Calorie Counts
My mother’s food budget was tight, as was most of my friends, and our portions were much smaller. Once I started earning money from my part-time job, having a Wimpy burger and chips was a treat but a stark contrast to today’s oversized McDonald’s portions, which can be double or triple the size. Modern dishes come in larger quantities and are packed with more fat, sugar, and salt, increasing their calorie count while reducing their satisfying power.
Snacking, once rare, has now become a daily habit. The shift toward eating on the go—whether in cars, in front of screens, or during work meetings—has added calories that weren’t typical in the past.
The Arrival of Processed Foods
We shopped from high street stalls selling fruit and vegetables and our local butchers—simple, single-ingredient foods. Today, ultra-processed products dominate the shelves, often hiding additives that nobody can pronounce their names there in everyday staples like bread and spaghetti sauce. This reliance on calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods is a significant driver of the modern obesity epidemic.
Cooking Convenience
My mother prepared meals from scratch. They weren’t always that great because she would rush home from work to cook, and at times, she was exhausted, but what she put together was way more nutritious than what many people eat today. These days, convenience is key to microwaved meals, and food delivery services have made home cooking far less common. Affordable, readily available calories have replaced the complete, homemade meals I grew up with.
Exercise: From Active Lifestyles to Passive Behaviours
Movement Found in Everyday Life
Our parents didn’t go to the gym. It was daily routines that naturally involved more physical activity. You had to get up to change the TV channel and answer the phone that was fixed to the wall, clothes were often hung to dry, and dishes were washed by hand. We played outside—riding bikes, running, and engaging in unstructured sports.
Modern conveniences like sedentary jobs, streaming services, and smartphones have removed much of this movement from our lives. Today, children are more likely to stare at screens than engage in outdoor activities, reducing the daily calorie burn that was once an integral part of life.
Exercise vs. Daily Activity
While gym memberships have exploded since the 1970s, and most clubs now have thousands of members instead of a few hundred, research has shown that going to the gym does not offset a sedentary lifestyle. Back then, burning calories wasn’t confined to workouts—it was a regular part of everyday life. For instance, I walked to school and performed daily chores, which kept me active throughout the day.
The Role of NEAT in Calorie Burn
NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) refers to the calories we burn through everyday tasks like standing and walking. The sit-to-stand movement without using your hands significantly impacts overall calorie burn.
It is not hard to believe that Brits burned an additional 150 to 300 calories daily through these non-exercise activities. Although 150 calories might seem minor, it adds up to 54,750 calories—or approximately 15 pounds—over a year. This decline in NEAT aligns closely with the average weight gain observed since the 1970s.
Cultural Norms: Reversing Body Size Perception
What Was Ideal Then vs. Now
In the 1970s, cultural icons often reflected the era’s thin, active body type. While body positivity today has widened the acceptance of diverse body types—a significant shift for mental health and self-esteem—the normalisation of obesity can sometimes obscure the associated health risks.
“Bigger Everything”
The tendency toward “bigger everything” extends beyond body weight. Restaurant portion sizes have increased by up to 138% since the 1970s, and the average family car is nearly 30% larger today. While body positivity has improved mental health and self-esteem, it’s essential to remain mindful of the health risks associated with the normalisation of obesity.
Here are Lessons From the Past:
The 1970s weren’t perfect, but they offer valuable insights for combating today’s health challenges:
- Shrink Portions: Smaller servings can significantly reduce calorie intake without sacrificing enjoyment.
- Limit Processed Foods: Cook more meals at home using fresh, whole ingredients. Replace hidden sugars, fats, and additives with nutrient-dense options.
- Move More: Integrate movement into your daily routine. Walk or bike for errands and take the stairs. Encourage children to play outside or explore local parks.
Meta-Age Call to Action
The 1970s were far from a golden age, but we achieved a balance between food, activity, and health that my cohorts and I have maintained. By prioritising smaller portions, cooking from scratch, and incorporating daily movement, more people can resist the sedentary and convenience-driven norms of 2024.
This isn’t about living in the past or giving up modern comforts. Instead, it’s about approaching health intentionally. Start with small, consistent changes—stand more, take walking breaks, or prepare one homemade meal each week.
The decline in NEAT calorie burn reminds us that it’s not just exercise that keeps us healthy but the everyday actions that keep us moving. We can reclaim a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle by rediscovering the joy of simple, mindful living and nourishing our bodies with simple meals.
In a world that increasingly prioritises convenience, there is still greater health awareness and healthier options. The most revolutionary step you can take for your health might also be the simplest: get up, move, and savour the satisfaction of taking control of your well-being.
