This collection of images is taken from the book 'Hungry Planet: What the World Eats' by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Aluisio and shows how much processed food has taken over many nations meal-times as well as the huge difference in the volume of food we consume. Although we already know a lot of this these images really do tell a thousand words. The portraits feature pictures of each family with their weekly shop.

WOMEN who like a glass of wine after work can relax: they are likely to gain less weight than those who stick to mineral water. Moderate female drinkers also have a lower risk of obesity than teetotallers, according to new research. The findings, from a study of more than 19,000 women, is at odds with most dietary advice: that alcohol consumption leads to weight gain.