Are Scottish people unhealthy? It is a fair question. In a country famed for snacks like shortbread, tablet and deep fried mars bars (disgusting, I know) and drinks like Irn Bru it would be understandable to assume that Scottish people are unhealthy. Studies show 97.5 per cent of Scots are likely to be either cigarette smokers, heavy drinkers, fat, have a bad diet, and never do any exercise. This has gained us the unlucky title of the “Sick Man” of Europe. Our own culture has given us this title.
Perhaps the blame cannot be placed on our culture. The government recognised that Scottish Primary Schools should have two hours per week and two periods per week form S1-S4. But is this enough and does pupils continue to exercise after S4? Perhaps if Gym memberships and diet plans were cheaper more people would indulge in these advantages. Perhaps it has become too convenient for us to rush to fast food restaurants or order take away meals. There are many factors that could have led to Scotland becoming known as the “Sick Man” of Europe. Relating to my previous blog post, the Glasgow effect might come into play here. The Glasgow Effect states that people from deprived areas of Glasgow and surrounding areas suffer from poor health and early death.
However, is it fair to generalize and say Scottish people are unhealthy? Personally, I don’t think so. It is impossible to say all Scottish people are unhealthy. In my small hometown alone there are at least four Gyms and weekly weight watchers meetings as well as numerous woodland walks and access to a running track. Even gaming consoles, namely the Nintendo Wii, has exercising games such as Wii Sport and Wii fit. So, is there any reason for Scots lacking in exercise? Maybe not.
Therefore, I don’t think that one can say for definite that Scottish people are unhealthy as it is just another generalisation like all Scots wear kilts and chase haggis. For me, it is impossible to give a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer but I do believe as a nation we can become more healthy if we cut down on cigarette smoking, binge drinking and eating fatty/unhealthy foods and exercise more often.
