Diabetes UK urges Scots to stick to healthy, sustainable lifestyle changes.
Almost three in very four Scots abandoned attempts to get healthier in 2019, according to a charity.
A survey for Diabetes UK found as many as 47% of people in Scotland were planning to go on a diet this January, with 27% pledging to sign up for a gym or exercise classes.
More than six in 10 people said they put on weight over the festive period, with an average gain of 7lb. Almost a quarter of people claimed that January worked best for them when it comes to making lifestyle changes that include a diet or health kick.
However, Diabetes UK is warning against “quick fix” methods to lose weight, saying lifestyle changes must be undertaken in a healthy and sustainable way if they are to have the desired effect.
Emma Elvin, senior clinical advisor at the charity, said: “Sustainable weight loss for many people is 1-2 pounds a week, and while we tend to lose more at the beginning of a diet, this will largely be water.
“It is important any diet is safe, and helps people keep the weight off in the long term. Getting support from a healthcare professional, your family or friends can really help to keep you on track.”
In Scotland, 65% of adults are overweight, including 29% who are obese. As obesity accounts for 85% of your risk of type 2 diabetes, action to maintain a healthy weight could potentially see more than half of all cases prevented or delayed.
However, the charity stresses that fad diets and extreme exercise regimes are generally not sustainable, and can cause people to fall back in bad habits – delaying the return to normal habits. Since weight gain is a lot quicker than weight loss, Diabetes UK says that a focus on longevity, rather than on a quick fix, is the best way to approach any lifestyle change.
Dan Howarth, the charity’s head of care at Diabetes UK, said: “We know the rising rate of obesity is putting people at risk of type 2 diabetes. But faddy dieting is not the answer.
“There is no one-size-fits all approach to dieting - what works for you, might not work for another - so it is important that diets are personalised to lifestyle, and that they are balanced and sustainable.
“Whatever diet you decide to follow, try to include more vegetables, fruit and wholegrains, and eat less processed meat, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. Also try increasing your activity – it doesn’t have to be burpees and marathons – simply upping your step count will help you achieve your goals.”
