Greater than a 3rd of individuals have snacked on unhealthy food and drinks no less than as soon as a day for the reason that begin of the coronavirus pandemic, a Public Well being England (PHE) survey has revealed.
To assist the general public in direction of a “more healthy life-style” in 2021, PHE on Monday launched a “Higher Well being” New 12 months marketing campaign together with a spread of instruments and apps to help folks in making wholesome decisions.
Because the pandemic started, 35 per cent of individuals stated that they had snacked on unhealthy meals and drinks no less than as soon as a day. Nearly one third of people who smoke had smoked extra for the reason that second nationwide lockdown, whereas 23 per cent of drinkers stated their alcohol intake had elevated.
However in response to the survey of greater than 5,000 adults, 43 per cent stated they felt extra motivated to make life adjustments this month in comparison with the identical time final yr.
Round two in 5 40 to 60-year-olds stated they deliberate on consuming extra healthily, whereas 29 per cent wished to shed extra pounds and 41 per cent to train extra. Forty-three per cent of standard people who smoke stated they deliberate to stop, whereas almost half those that elevated their alcohol consumption stated they supposed to cut back it in 2021.
Dr Alison Tedstone, the chief nutritionist at Public Well being England stated: “The previous yr has been immensely difficult and being caught at dwelling far more this yr, understandably, has seen some unhealthy habits creeping up on us all.
“However our survey reveals the overwhelming majority of us need to do one thing constructive this yr to enhance our well being, and now is an effective time for a reset, whether or not or not it’s consuming extra healthily, being a more healthy weight, getting extra energetic, stopping smoking or doing extra to take care of our psychological well being.”
PHE’s “Higher Well being” marketing campaign, which incorporates new nationwide TV, radio and social media promoting, provides help via apps, weight reduction programmes and steering on methods to improve train, eat more healthy and enhance psychological well being.
It’s aimed toward all adults over 18, however with a concentrate on these aged 40 to 60, these from BAME backgrounds and people with long-term well being situations.
Proof suggests being obese drastically will increase an individual’s probabilities of being admitted to intensive care with Covid, whereas these from BAME backgrounds even have a better threat of being severely affected by the virus.
Jo Churchill, the general public well being minister, stated: “We all know many individuals need to make adjustments for a more healthy life-style and we need to assist them.”
