Three in four people in the South West quit at least one attempt to undertake a health kick (75%) 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.
Almost half (49%) of the South West respondents said they were planning on going on a diet this January, and more than 2 in 10 (23%) said they were planning on signing up to a gym, to exercise classes or with a personal trainer in the New Year2.
This is most likely to be due to overindulgence over the holidays; with more than a quarter saying3 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 more than 6 in 10 of those surveyed (66%) admitted they tended to gain weight – with an average gain of 6lbs – over the festive period. In addition, more than 1 in 3 (34%) 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.
A person’s weight is likely to fluctuate a bit at any given time, but this is especially true during the festive period. But 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 more than two months (2.1 months) for the diets of people who eat a larger amount of food over Christmas to return to normal4.
Safe weight loss
Since weight gain is a lot quicker than weight loss, Diabetes UK says 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 1-2 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.”
These results come off the back of recent figures which show the number of people who are obese in England has almost doubled in the last 20 years. As obesity accounts for 85% of your risk of type 2 diabetes - action could potentially see more than half of all cases prevented or delayed.
Dan Howarth, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said:
“We know the rising rates of obesity is putting people at risk of type 2 diabetes. But faddy dieting is not the answer.
“There is no one-size-fits all approach to dieting - what works for you, might not work for another - so it is important that diets are personalised to lifestyle, and that they are balanced and sustainable.
“Whatever diet you decide to follow, try to include more vegetables, fruit and wholegrains, and eat less processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. Also try increasing your activity – it doesn’t have to be burpees and marathons – simply upping your step count will help you achieve your goals.”
- Almost half of the South West say they plan on going on a diet in January
- Diabetes UK urge public to avoid fad diets and to approach a healthy lifestyle in a sustainable way
- People in the South West say it takes them two months for their diets to return to normal after Christmas overindulgence
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