New research has found that nearly half of Britons feel ashamed about their body weight and it’s impacting their relationships
A new study has revealed that millions of Brits are battling with feelings of shame over their weight. The research, conducted by online healthcare provider ZAVA, found that nearly half of the UK population admit to feeling embarrassed about their size.
The study also highlighted that women are more likely than men to feel this way, with over 10% more women reporting feelings of shame about their body weight.
The research showed negative feelings about weight also impacted social lives, relationships and even job prospects, extending beyond personal feelings.
A third of those surveyed confessed to avoiding social events due to concerns about their size, while 16% admitted to postponing or cancelling significant events because they hadn’t reached a target weight.
Shockingly, 14% of participants believe their weight has negatively affected their chances of securing a job.
The research also highlighted the hurdles many face when starting a weight loss journey, with emotional eating and lack of motivation listed as the main obstacles.
Even those who have successfully lost weight struggle to maintain their results. Of those who managed to shed pounds in the past year, 41% confessed to regaining some or all of it.
Dr. Crystal Wyllie, a leading clinician at ZAVA, pointed out that emotional states, hormonal changes, or even boredom can often trigger food cravings, making it harder to stick to a plan.
She said: “Whether triggered by your feelings, hormones or simply boredom, you can gain more control over your eating habits by understanding your cravings.
“For example, if you notice that certain emotions or specific times of day make you more likely to snack, identifying these patterns can help you tackle the underlying triggers.
“Staying hydrated is a simple yet effective way to manage cravings, as dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger.”
She said another technique to combating cravings is through a balanced diet. She advised filling up on protein and fibre-packed foods to keep blood sugar levels steady and keep you feeling full for longer.
Goodies like avocados, nuts and veggies are great options for fending off late-night snacking.
Another recommended technique is mindful eating. She suggests: “Pausing to assess the root cause of your craving can help you build a stronger connection with your body and make better decisions.”
ZAVA has created a Cravings Calculator tool to help you identify the triggers behind your food cravings and make a plan to tackle them.
