It’s time to shift from screen to scene and get your great back!
The results of new research commissioned by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan found that almost half of adults are feeling very nervous about being seen again in public after more than a year of lockdowns.
The research, which involved more than 2,000 people across the UK, revealed nearly half (42 per cent) of adults now lack confidence in their appearance after months at home.
The findings have been shared alongside lockdown restrictions easing in England, with a rally cry to ‘Get Your Great Back’, helping the public to feel their best.
Currently, confidence is lowest among females, with 24 per cent of women and 11 per cent of men admitting to feeling “really self-conscious” about how they look to other people.
Twenty five to 34 year olds are the most likely to describe themselves as “extremely unhappy with their appearance”. It is therefore more important than ever to support each other through this transition back to ‘normal’ life and in regaining our confidence.
The vast majority (81%) of people say they have noticed weight gain and more than a quarter (26%) believe they are perceived by others to be overweight. So no matter how you are feeling, you are not alone!
The findings follow a prolonged period of remote working and virtual socialising, during which nearly half (46%) of people admit to having consciously attempted to make themselves look slimmer ‘on screen’. A further fifth (20%) admit they may have done so subconsciously.
Now, as the UK prepare to get back ‘on the scene’, half of people are looking forward to wearing all their favourite outfits that have sat unworn for the past year. But nearly a third (29%) feel like covering up in baggy clothes and elasticated waistbands.
Most importantly, a fifth (19%) worry that their health and wellbeing is a cause for concern after over-indulging and not looking after themselves during lockdown.
Psychotherapist and Life Coach, Andre Radmall, specialises in helping people through periods of change, and has practiced on Harley Street and at the Priory Hospital.
He said: “The research shows that a significant proportion of people feel exposed by the transition from living on Zoom to ‘real life’ where the whole body can be seen. It can be quite a shock to find that wearing elasticated waistlines for more than a year has covered up some obvious weight gain.
“It is important to address weight management in a non-shaming, non-blaming way. With the right support during weight loss, people feel healthier and recover their self-esteem and confidence before more serious issues emerge.”
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet said: “As we prepare to integrate back in to society, the impact of lockdown on both mental and physical health cannot be underestimated.
“It is important that we treat ourselves with compassion, as we would others. We encourage everyone to get their ‘great’ back as they look forward to the rest of the summer, and to pursue their weight and fitness goals in a way that is healthy and sustainable.”
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