, 2004+; Wardle et al., 2001+; Wood et al., 2010+). These included a lack of clear information, Akt inhibitor misunderstanding of food messages and the perception of healthy eating messages as complex, especially sugar content and the classification of fats, a balanced diet (misinterpreted as a balance of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods) and the ‘5-a-day’ message (misinterpreted as five portions of fruit). Existing attitudes to health were also found

to be important in behaviour change ( Dibsdall et al., 2002++; Lawrence et al., 2009+; Nic Gabhainn et al., 1999+; Whelan et al., 2002+; Withall et al., 2009+; Wood et al., 2010+), and in particular there seemed to be contradicting attitudes depending on how in control people felt over their health. Some

deliberately sought a healthy lifestyle and cheap healthy foods, whereas others were not concerned with their health or healthy food. Other barriers were lack of perceived control over weight, no clear perceived links between lack of exercise and chronic conditions, and food and health, with some people believing it was not good to be ‘too healthy’. Perceived capabilities could LY2109761 purchase also constitute a barrier or facilitator of change ( Coleman et al., 2008++; Lawrence et al., 2009+; Peerbhoy et al., 2008+; Stead et al., 2004+). Barriers included a poor initial level of fitness and perceptions of a lack of sporting capability, cooking skills and confidence in cooking meals from scratch and being able to eat ‘5-a-day’, although the latter could be overcome by enhancing skills in a non-threatening way and using peer and family support. Some people, however, expressed confidence in cooking and experimenting with food. Barriers related to people’s current lifestyle ( Gough and Conner, 2006++; Lawrence et al., 2009+; Nic Gabhainn et al., 1999+; Price, 2007+; Whelan et al., 2002+; Withall et al., 2009+)

included commitments and responsibilities, stress, comfort eating, being stuck in a rut, embarrassment, the belief that activity around the home is sufficient and lack of time. Conversely, boredom was cited as a reason for unhealthy eating, with some people aware of the apparent contradiction. Health professionals Urease suggested that mental health problems such as depression could have an impact. Many barriers centred around affordability ( Dibsdall et al., 2002++; Kennedy et al., 1998+; Lawrence et al., 2009+; Parry et al., 2007+; Peerbhoy et al., 2008+; Price, 2007+; Whelan et al., 2002 +; Withall et al., 2009+), including the cost of buying healthy food, perceived lack of affordable food locally, public transport costs, the cost of cooking different meals to suit different preferences, marketing strategies promoting unhealthy foods and wasting money buying food that the family would not eat. Health professionals felt that healthy food could be prioritised when shopping, and budgeting could be covered in nutritional education programmes.