WORLD OBESITY DAY: The Psychological Impact of Obesity in a Covid World
Two thirds of UK adults are changing their diet in 2021
A fifth of Brits concerned about their weight for future pandemics
4th March 2021: With the associated link between obesity and COVID-19 having been hotly reported throughout the pandemic, World Obesity Day on Thursday, March 4, shines a light on how this is impacting psychologically.
Recent research commissioned by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan revealed that two thirds (68%) of Brits are making changes to their diet in 2021.
This follows the impact of COVID-19 which demonstrated the importance of being a healthy weight, with obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes all factors causing more deaths of people suffering with the virus than anything else. A fifth of Brits expressed concern for future pandemics, wanting to make a change before it’s too late.
The survey revealed that the average Brit gained 11 pounds in 2020, due to the struggles associated with the national lockdowns and restriction. The weight of the nation has never been more prominent.
Andre Radmall, psychotherapist at Rafan House in Harley Street, London, shares his thoughts on how the increased risk associated between obesity and COVID-19 is impacting people’s behaviours and mental health. And he’s given his tips on how to combat the negatives.
“It is not surprising that, on average, Brits gained 11 pounds in 2020 due to the struggles associated with lockdown,” he said.
“Psychologically, there can be a strong link between stress, anxiety and over-eating. Food is associated with comfort and nurture and is readily available as a source of self-soothing in situations of stress.
“Given that two thirds of Brits will be changing their diet in 2021, following the impact of COVID-19, it will be important to address deeply-held psychological habits. In part, this is achieved by addressing diet and nutrition. Alongside this is the need to assist people in building new habits and psychological frameworks. This would need to include establishing forms of self-care that are practical, easy and quick. It is not enough to stop a habit, there needs to be an alternative in place.
“This psychological component is best supported by supportive accountability. The emphasis here would need to be on creating safe places for vulnerability and sharing of the journey’s ups and downs.
“What I would suggest is a comprehensive shift toward self-care rather than self-comfort. This would not only underpin a weight loss process, but also increase self-esteem and confidence while lowering stress. Under these conditions the chances of sustained weight loss are greater.”
To find out more information about The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, visit: https://www.one2onediet.com/
ENDS
For more information and/or to set up interviews, contact The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan PR team on onetoone@lucre.co.uk.
Notes to editors
• The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan’s roots can be traced back to the 1960s, when biochemist Dr Alan Howard started to research the perfect diet. This resulted in the launch of the Cambridge Diet in 1984.
• In 2009 the Cambridge Diet was rebranded to Cambridge Weight Plan. The business started its Employee Ownership journey in 2010. Today, it is a passionate and profitable group of people who provide support, flexible weight loss plans, products and business opportunities that help other people achieve their goals. Whatever those goals may be. The company won the Employee Owned Business of the Year category at the 2019 Employee Ownership Awards.
• Cambridge Weight Plan undertook a major rebrand in 2018, becoming The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, and invested in a multi-million pound integrated campaign which sat across cinema, TV, social, digital and print.
• In the UK, the company sells and markets The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan brand through independent Cambridge Weight Plan consultants. In November 2020, there were more than 6,500 Consultants across the country offering slimmers one-to-one support to help guide them through their weight loss and into weight maintenance.
• The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan’s meal replacement programme (MRP) uses formula food soups, shakes, bars and other foods to replace conventional foods, thus giving a lower dietary energy intake than on a conventional reducing diet. Cambridge Weight Plan MRPs are nutritionally balanced, providing all protein, essential fat, vitamins and minerals needed.
• The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan has received a number of accolades for its commitment to employees, attaining new generation six Investors in People (IIP) Silver Award, becoming a Real Living Wage responsible employer and receiving a RoSPA Gold Award for health and safety management to name a few.
• Worldwide, The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan is sold through an extensive distributor network and its products are exported to more than 30 countries.
• www.one2onediet.com
About Andre Radmall
Andre Radmall MA MSc BA - a Psychotherapist and Life Coach who is in private practice. Go to www.andreradmall.com.
Andre was manager and group therapist at Priory Hospital North London and a Psychotherapist at Rafan House in Harley Street. He specialises in addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety and stress, relationship issues & family therapy and issues of self worth.
Website:www.andreradmall.com
Twitter: @RadmallAndre
LinkedIn:andreradmall