Health kick quitters
MORE than three-quarters of people in Wales quit at least one attempt to undertake a health kick (68%) in 2019, according to new polling carried out by Diabetes UK.
The findings were revealed as January resolutions, which often revolve around diets and exercise, are in full swing.
About half of the respondents in Wales said they were planning on going on a diet this January.
Three in 10 (30%) said they were planning on signing up to a gym, to exercise classes or with a personal trainer in the New Year.
This is most likely to be due to overindulgence over the holidays, with nearly a quarter saying that January worked best for them when it comes to making lifestyle changes that include a diet or health kick.
The charity’s polling showed that 63% of people in Wales admitted they tended to gain weight – with an average gain of 7lb – over the festive period.
In addition, more than two in five (45%) of respondents who said they eat a larger amount of food over Christmas also said they felt the weight gain became uncontrollable.
However, Diabetes UK is urging the public to avoid fad diets, and to approach any lifestyle changes in a healthy and sustainable way to ensure these changes stick for the longer term.
Diabetes UK stresses that fad diets and extreme exercise regimes are generally not sustainable, and can cause people to fall back in bad habits – delaying the return to normal habits.
On average, the polling found that it takes nearly three months for the diets of people who eat a larger amount of food over Christmas to return to normal.
Since weight gain is a lot quicker than weight loss, Diabetes UK claims that a focus on longevity, rather than on a quick fix, is the best way to approach any lifestyle change.
Emma Elvin, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK, said: “Sustainable weight loss for many people is one or two pounds a week, and while we tend to lose more at the beginning of a diet, this will largely be water.
“It is important any diet is safe, and helps people keep the weight off in the long term. Getting support from a healthcare professional, your family or friends can really help to keep you on track.”