Brits have an unhealthier lifestyle now than at the peak of Covid, warns expert
New figures have revealed that Brits are leading a less healthy lifestyle now than they were at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data analyzed by the London Medical Laboratory from the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS), Brits spent just 19.1 minutes a day on exercise, sports, and wellbeing activities in March, compared to 29.6 minutes in March 2021.
The decline in time spent on health-related activities is concerning, especially when compared to the amount of time spent on sedentary activities such as watching TV and staring at screens. While Brits only dedicate less than 20 minutes a day to exercise, they manage to find 140 minutes a day to watch TV and 44 minutes a day on their computers and devices.
Dr. Avinash Hari Narayanan, Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, highlighted the importance of prioritizing health and wellbeing in our daily routines. He pointed out that during the pandemic, Brits were actually more active, spending almost half an hour a day on exercise and keeping fit in 2021 compared to less than 20 minutes today.
The shift in how Brits spend their time has also impacted other aspects of health and wellbeing. Activities like DIY and gardening, which can improve fitness and health, have seen a decline in time spent from 28.8 minutes a day in March 2021 to 11.5 minutes a day in March of this year.
Additionally, the increase in time spent on stressful activities like commuting and working has also taken a toll on overall health. The average time spent travelling each day has almost doubled from 32.9 minutes in March 2021 to 71.7 minutes this year. Those who have returned to the office now spend an average of 7.2 hours at work each day.
Dr. Narayanan emphasized the importance of incorporating healthy activities into daily routines to improve overall health and wellbeing. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can have numerous benefits, including weight loss, stress reduction, and improved cardiovascular fitness.
For those concerned about their overall fitness levels, Dr. Narayanan recommended revolutionary new blood tests that provide valuable information about health through a simple finger-prick test. London Medical Laboratory offers a General Health Profile blood test that monitors key areas of health, including muscle and bone profile, liver and kidney function, diabetes risk, cholesterol levels, iron levels, and the risk of gout.
These blood tests can be easily booked online or at participating pharmacies and health stores, providing valuable insights into health before symptoms appear. The General Health Profile blood test can be taken at home through the post or at drop-in clinics across London and nationwide.
In conclusion, it is essential for Brits to prioritize their health and wellbeing by incorporating healthy activities into their daily routines and taking proactive steps to monitor their health through innovative blood tests. By making small changes to their lifestyle, Brits can improve their overall health and happiness.