Majority of British adults motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes in 2021

Seven in 10 adults are motivated to make healthier lifestyle changes in 2021 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new research.

Results from an England-wide survey of over 5,000 adults conducted by Public Health England (PHE) showed that, compared to last year, almost half of the population feel more motivated to make changes to their life in January, with 40 per cent planning to eat more healthily, 39 per cent aiming to lose weight, and 41 per cent hoping to exercise more.

In addition, four in 10 regular smokers plan to try quitting in 2021 and nearly half of those who increased their alcohol intake during the second lockdown intend to reduce their booze consumption this year.

To support these changes, PHE has launched its Better Health campaign to encourage the nation to work towards a healthier lifestyle.

“The past year has been immensely challenging and being stuck at home much more, understandably, has seen some unhealthy habits creeping up on us all,” said Dr Alison Tedstone, Chief Nutritionist at PHE. “But our survey shows the vast majority of us want to do something positive this year to improve our health and now is a good time for a reset, whether it be eating more healthily, being a healthier weight, getting more active, stopping smoking or doing more to look after our mental health.”

The survey also revealed how the pandemic impacted people’s behaviours last year, with the findings showing that 35 per cent of people reported snacking on unhealthy food and drinks at least once a day – up from 26 per cent this time last year – while one-third said they were exercising less in the latter half of the year.

Twenty-nine per cent of smokers reported smoking more since the second lockdown in England, while 23 per cent of drinkers claimed their alcohol intake had increased in the same period.

“So, it’s about the relationship you have with yourself, and it’s about your character, and it’s about all of that. So, that’s what being in charge is about,” Dr Tedstone added.