10-Year Rise in Engel Coefficient Paints Grim Picture of Japan’s Economic and Health Decline

By far the highest among developed countries. The meaning of the continuously rising “Engel coefficient”

Income has stagnated while prices have surged. Many people likely feel that there is no room for comfort in their lives. This situation has reached a level that could negatively impact nutrition and healthy lifestyle habits.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ “Family Income and Expenditure Survey,” Japan’s “Engel coefficient” has been rising over the past 10 years and finally reached 28.3% last year. This is the highest level since 1981 and by far the highest among developed countries. The Engel coefficient represents the proportion of food expenses in total household consumption, and its rise indicates a decline in economic affluence.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare publishes data on the nation’s health and nutrient intake through the “National Health and Nutrition Survey.” In last year’s survey, the target daily vegetable intake was 350g, but the actual average was only 256g. The target for daily steps was 7,100, but men averaged 6,628 steps and women 5,659. The proportion of people with a regular exercise habit was 36.2% for men and 28.6% for women, falling short of the 40% target.

What are the unnoticed changes and sensory discrepancies?

Many people likely go about their daily lives unaware that their actual vegetable intake and exercise habits fall short of the recommended targets. This “gap” can be seen as the result of a growing disconnect between perception—“I’m probably fine”—and reality.

To help people recognize and address this disconnect, the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute published a report in February of this year titled “Visualizing Lifestyle Habits.” The report’s author, public health nurse Mie Tanaka, points out that vegetable intake has “significantly decreased” for both men and women since 2015. She analyzes the reasons for this downward trend in vegetable consumption as follows:

・An increasing number of people prefer meat over vegetables
・Some people don’t know how to cook vegetables
・Vegetables often go to waste and spoil
・People avoid vegetables, saying “they’re too expensive”
・More people rely on prepared foods, especially fried items
・The rise of supplements and health foods as substitutes

Disparities in eating habits are growing!

According to Ms. Tanaka, those with a high awareness of health are more likely to notice these gaps. Health-conscious individuals are sensitive to the discrepancies between target values—such as vegetable intake—and their actual habits, and they reflect on and improve their behaviors through opportunities like annual health checkups.

Unless we regularly consider whether our daily lives are diverging from health targets, we may not notice the gap between our perception—“I’m probably fine”—and reality. Ms. Tanaka advises, “Visualize your lifestyle habits and become aware of them.”

But even if one becomes aware of a gap with the target value, what should they do to increase their vegetable intake, for example? Ms. Tanaka offers this advice:

“Try walking through the supermarket aisles. In addition to prepared foods, there are also sections for vegetables and ready-to-eat meal kits. Seasonal vegetables are also more affordable. It’s important to expand your shopping options beyond your usual routine.”

For instance, if someone who usually relies on fried foods and other prepared dishes walks through the supermarket and notices a single-serving hot pot set, that could be considered a step toward a healthier diet. In the same report, Ms. Tanaka points out that “price increases and other factors are likely to affect future lifestyle habits,” and emphasizes that adapting to changes in the social environment and actively managing one’s lifestyle is crucial for building good health.

“Health-building can be done through your own actions without spending a lot of money. Even small steps are fine,” says Ms. Tanaka.

She also adds, “Nothing will change unless you take action.” So why not aim for healthy lifestyle habits by recognizing what you’re lacking and trying out what you can do yourself?