Over half of adults struggled to maintain weight during lockdown
NEW RESEARCH FOUND TWO THIRDS OF ADULTS FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO MANAGE WEIGHT IN LOCKDOWN
The survey of over 800 UK adults found that more than half had difficulty managing their weight during lockdown. The statistics show four in ten people were less active, just under a fifth said they drank more alcohol and a third ate more sugary foods. However, nearly half of respondents said they enjoyed cooking at home, and half ordered less takeaway foods.
The four key reasons given were difficulty getting to the shops and getting hold of their usual foods, boredom and being at home leading to increased snacking, higher stress and anxiety levels leading to comfort eating and less time spent moving around and exercising.
Local weight-loss expert Nicole Nixon runs Slimming World groups, supporting 180 people in Timperley to manage their weight each week. She said: “In these uncertain times, it’s really normal to feel stressed and anxious, and for our usual healthy habits like eating well and keeping active to slip a little. I’ve lost 4st myself and I know I’ve had my days over lockdown when it’s felt really difficult to make healthy choices and that’s completely ok, we’re all only human.
“The survey, recently shared at the European and International Congress on Obesity, showed that more than half of the respondents found managing their weight difficult during lockdown - understandably so. In the middle of a global pandemic, focusing on weight loss can feel like an impossible task no matter how much you want it not to feel that way.”
Slimming World began supporting its members virtually in online weekly groups in March, when lockdown closed all of the organisation’s community groups. This meant members could handle lockdown differently thanks to everything they’ve learned about healthy eating in their group.
Clare from Stretford is proof it’s been possible to stay healthy in the current climate. She has lost 7st 1lb altogether since April 2018, even losing 11lbs in lockdown. She said: “Back when this all began I panicked a bit. I couldn’t concentrate on my weight loss or eating as healthily as I did before because everything else seemed so up in the air. Once our consultant started our virtual groups though, things changed.
“Without the group I would have lost my way and struggled to get myself back on track. I worried where I might be at the end of lockdown and that it might have impacted on my ability to reach my weight loss goals, but I’m really proud that I’ll be leaving lockdown feeling better than I have in a long time.”
Many Slimming World members continued to lose weight during lockdown and research showed that they’d lost an average of 7.7% body weight since joining around six months earlier.
They also exercised more and reported a higher level of overall well being than the general population, which was especially encouraging because we know that there are real concerns about the effects of lockdown on mental health.
Nicole added: “I’ve learnt that getting support so you don’t feel alone is so key when it comes to keeping up healthy habits, whatever life throws your way. The tools and support members gain at their group help them to develop healthy habits for life, equipping them with the skills to face and overcome inevitable challenges in their weight loss journey – even global pandemics – so they can manage their weight in the long term.”
And there’s nothing quite like the magic of the real-life groups to create healthier habits for life, learn how to cook, shop and eat more healthily and lose weight. Now, following the current easing of restrictions in many areas, real-life groups are beginning to reopen step-by-step.
Victoria who has lost 1st 3lb over lockdown at her group in Whalley Range said: “There’s no support like a Slimming World group - everyone gets it, and we all help each other with tips, encouragement and laughter. My group has given me a safe, friendly place to understand why I want to feel better about myself, and how food and losing weight can be an enjoyable way of life.”
Slimming World groups across Manchester have started to reopen, to book onto a local group visit slimmingworld.co.uk.
Anyone joining between August 30 and October 10 will not only get six weeks for the price of five when they commit to a six-week countdown, they’ll also get a free copy of the new ‘Take 5, Second Helpings’ recipe book which is full of dishes that are quick and easy and all made with just five ingredients, all for £29.75.