Four in five Brits are concerned about how much food prices have risen since the end of 2021 – with 51% saying it is harder to make healthy dietary choices as a result, a study has found.
Almost a third of shoppers (31%) will now buy food based on its cost, rather than on how healthy it is, according to a survey of 2,000 adults.
And almost a quarter (23%) feel they have gained weight in the last year – with 58% of those directly blaming the financial crisis for this.
In fact, 18% said they were making more unhealthy dietary swaps now than they did before the cost-of-living crisis began.
Dr Jacquie Lavin, special advisor on the science of weight management at Slimming World, said: “It’s well-documented the cost-of-living crisis is having a big impact on people’s buying habits.
“This research shows that 31% of people are prioritising the cost of food over how healthy it is.
“Without the right support, there is a very real possibility that the financial crisis could make it even more difficult for people to manage their weight and health.”
The survey found of those who have gained weight, 38% put this down to comfort eating or eating more fast food.
The impact of the cost of living has also led to 30% saying they have less motivation to exercise, and 20% using alcohol to deal with the stress of the situation.
Just under a fifth (19%) have changed where they do their food shopping as a result of the increased cost of living.
And it’s not only physical health which has been affected in recent months, as 46% confess their mental wellbeing has also taken a hit.
Nearly half (47%) feel the Government is not doing enough to help people eat a healthy diet, while the nation’s finances are stretched.
The survey, carried out by OnePoll, found 68% reckon it’s easier to be healthy when you have a lot of money.
Dr Lavin, for Slimming World, said: “Getting practical advice, and tangible tried-and-tested tips, can be especially valuable when you're finding it more difficult to eat healthily and lose weight or stay on track.
“The research showed some 38% of UK adults don’t feel they’ve picked up any advice, for example from friends and family, social media, supermarkets, or colleagues.
“This shows how being part of a group, where you're facing the same challenges together and helping each other to stay motivated, makes a real difference.
“It’s even better when this support is in a warm, friendly community, particularly during such difficult times.”
