Why we got fatter during lockdown

TWO-THIRDS of adults struggled to keep their weight down during lockdown as boredom and stress triggered comfort eating, research suggests.

Britons found it more difficult to get to the shops for healthy foods, snacked due to boredom, resorted to comfort foods as a result of stress and exercised less, a survey of 800 adults found.

The report said: ‘A number reported snacking more frequently on unhealthy foods due to boredom, being at home and being out of a normal routine or lack of structure to the day. Being at home during the day with children who are snacking was mentioned as increasing temptation to join in with snacks.’

The study included 222 Slimming World members. Similar proportions between the two groups – 65 per cent among non-members and 59 per cent of members – admitted finding managing their weight in lockdown ‘very’ or ‘somewhat difficult’.

Study lead author Dr Sarah-Elizabeth Bennett said: ‘Lockdown inevitably had an effect on our choices around food, drink and activity.’ Tam Fry, of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘This report is welcome and confirms the effect of two factors not immediately associated with obesity – worry and anxiety. Both give rise to comfort eating and snacking.’