FOUR in ten adults in the West Midlands say they have put on weight since the start of lockdown in March 2021, with weight gain averaging at 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg).
Now Public Health England (PHE) has launched its latest ‘Better Health’ campaign to encourage adults to lose excess weight, eat more healthily and get active to tackle their ‘lockdown lard’.
The new campaign offers free support and guidance to those working towards a healthier weight.
There are a variety of NHS endorsed apps which will help people to introduce changes that will help them eat better and get active this summer, including the newly updated NHS Weight Loss Plan app.
New research suggests that those who used and followed the NHS Weight Loss Plan app over 12 weeks, reported a loss on average of almost a stone (5.8kg).
The move follows a nationwide survey of more than 5,000 adults which has revealed that over four in ten in West Midlands say they have put on weight since the first lockdown in March 2021.
The new insights show the extent lockdown has had on people’s eating and levels of activity.
Unhealthy eating habits, like snacking and comfort eating, were seen as the main contributor to weight gain during the pandemic for almost half of those who reported gaining weight.
David Elliott, West Midlands health and wellbeing programme manager for Healthy Weight said: “With four in ten people in the West Midlands putting on weight and a fifth putting on a stone or more since the start of lockdown, the impact on people’s eating and physical activity habits has been considerable.
“We also know that many people are looking for advice and help that works for them to eat more healthily and be more active. PHE’s Better Health has a proven range of tools and resources that offer free support and guidance to help them do just that.”
To find out more search ‘Better Health’ or visit nhs.uk/betterhealth for free tools and support.
