Weight-related concerns are preventing a significant proportion of the UK from living life to the full, new research has found, with almost half of UK adults (49%) reporting that they have felt ashamed of their body weight and noting its impact on their work, relationships and social lives.
The data* results from a survey* of over 2,000 UK adults and the findings reveal that 29% of UK adults say their weight has negatively impacted their romantic relationships, while 28% admit that they have missed out on social events for the same reason.
Body weight concerns even extend into the workplace. 10% of UK adults have tried to lose weight before starting a new role or seeking a promotion, and 14% believe their weight has prevented them from landing a job. This is most evident in Nottingham (19%), Glasgow (18%) and London (17%), where a higher-than-average percentage of respondents said they felt their weight had hindered their career.
For some, the pressure to achieve a specific target weight is so intense that it has led 16% of UK adults to cancel or postpone a major life event such as an interview or wedding.
16% of UK workers say their job causes irregular or unhealthy eating patterns
Workplace culture plays a significant role in shaping dietary habits, yet many UK workers struggle to maintain healthy eating patterns due to job-related pressures. New findings reveal that 16% of UK employees say their job has led to irregular or unhealthy eating habits, making it harder to maintain a balanced diet.
Despite growing awareness of the importance of workplace wellbeing, 52% of workplaces do not offer healthy snack options, even though 59% of workers say they would find access to nutritious snacks beneficial. Meanwhile, half of Brits (50%) believe that societal pressure to lose weight has intensified over the past decade, adding further stress to those already struggling with their relationship with food.
Stress and emotional eating are among the biggest obstacles to weight management, with 31% of UK adults citing emotional eating as their biggest barrier to weight loss and 21% admitting to stress snacking. Dr Crystal Wyllie, a qualified GP at ZAVA Online Doctor, said: “Whether you’re an Emotional Eater, a Stress Snacker or a Habitual Grazer, cravings can be difficult to control,” says Dr Wyllie. “The Cravings Calculator provides personalised insights and practical strategies to help people manage their eating habits. And not just during Easter, but beyond. Taking a moment to assess whether a craving is rooted in physical hunger or your emotions can empower you to make more intentional, thoughtful choices.”
*ZAVA Online Doctor
