Pandemic’s legacy on weight loss goals
New survey shows 1 in 3 people have gained weight over the past two years
More than a third of Brits (38%) now feel less socially connected than they did before the pandemic and it’s having a dramatic impact on their weight, according to a new study.
And although social distancing restrictions were lifted across the UK several months ago, nearly half (44%) say they are still meeting fewer people than before March 2020.
As a result, only 36% now feel a sense of belonging within their local community while 31% say they now feel socially isolated, even when with other people.
The survey by Slimming World also highlights another alarming legacy of the pandemic - that managing weight has now become more difficult.
1 in 3 have gained weight over the past two years
Of those surveyed, more than one in three (36%) reported that they had gained weight over the course of the past two years (compared to 19% who had lost weight).
Among respondents who had gained weight, more than half (58%) reported gaining between 1 stone and almost 4 stone (3 stone 13lbs,) while 16% reported gaining 4 stone or more. Women were more likely to say they had gained weight than men
Some 30% of those who said they’d gained weight and 29% of those with a BMI higher than 25, which sees them classed as overweight, said they have experienced bullying or discrimination because of their weight.
Of those respondents whose BMI categorised them as overweight or very overweight, 40% said they avoided going out as a result of this bullying and discrimination and a third (32%) felt isolated.
But it seems social connection is vital when it comes to weight loss.
Three in four (74%) respondents that have taken the leap and joined a Slimming World community weight loss group say they feel more confident and self-assured as a result.
Zoe Mole from Dorset suffered physical and verbal abuse throughout her school days, which contributed to her seeking comfort in food. Then she dropped five dress sizes and has maintained her 4st weight loss ever since.
Zoe said:
"I think the fear of the unknown and isolation led to people, like myself, to do a lot of comfort eating.
"Being part of the Slimming World group is extremely vital in my experience so the fact that we have access in our local groups and especially in Dorset is so important."
Members report making new friends (73%) and feeling more connected (68%) as a contributing factor. The overwhelming majority (93%) believed they were more committed to their weight loss goals than before.
These members, combined with respondents from the general population agree that a lack of judgement and humiliation (84%), feeling helped to succeed (82%) and feeling completely safe (79%) were all contributing factors in losing weight successfully.