Covid comfort eaters ready to tackle health

More than a third admit overindulging in lockdown but many say they plan to make changes this month

MORE than a third of people have snacked on unhealthy food and drink at least once a day since the start of the pandemic, a Public Health England survey has revealed.

PHE revealed the findings as it prepared to launch its Better Health campaign for the New Year, including a range of tools and apps to support people to make healthy choices in their diet and lifestyle.

Thirty-five per cent of people surveyed said they have snacked on unhealthy food and drinks at least once a day, almost a third (29 per cent) of smokers smoked more, and almost a quarter (23 per cent) of drinkers said their alcohol intake increased.

But almost half (43 per cent) said they feel more motivated to make l i fe changes this month compared to the same time last year.

Two in five 40- to 60-year-olds said they plan on eating more healthily, while 29 per cent aimed to lose weight and 41 per cent to exercise more.

More than four in 10 (43 per cent) of regular smokers said they planned to quit in the new year.

And nearly half of t hose who increased their alcohol intake during the second lockdown this autumn said they intended to reduce it in 2021.

Dr Alison Tedstone, PHE’S chief nutritionist, said: “The past year has been immensely challenging and being stuck at home much more this year, understandably, has s e en s ome unhealthy habits creeping up on us all.

“But our survey shows the vast majority of us want to do something positive this year to improve our health and now is a good time for a reset, whether it be eating more healthily, being a healthier weight, getting more

active, stopping smoking or doing more to look after our mental health.”

PHE’S Better Health campaign, which will be supported by national TV, radio and social media advertising, offers apps, weight loss programmes and guidance on how to increase exercise, eat more healthily and improve mental health. It is aimed at all adults over 18, but with a particular focus on those people aged 40 to 60, those from BAME backgrounds and with long-term health conditions.

Evidence suggests being obese greatly increases your chances of being admitted to ICU with Covid-19.

Those from BAME backgrounds also have a greater risk of being severely affected by the virus.

Jo Churchill, the public health minister, said yesterday: “There is no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year. The pandemic has highlighted particularly the impact obesity can have on health and health outcomes.

“We know many people want to make changes for a healthier lifestyle and we want to help them.” Dr Dawn Harper, who is supporting the campaign, said the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental health is “huge”.

“We saw households across England revert to unhealthy eating habits and reducing the amount of exercise they undertook. However, 2020 has also caused us to feel more motivated to make lasting changes.

“2021 is a time to start afresh, and kickstarting a health plan can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Resources like the Better Health website and apps can be a huge help, no matter what changes you’re looking to make.”