Sedentary lifestyles, missed medical appointments and the broader health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may take the UK years to recover from. That’s according to the new Bupa Wellbeing Index, a landmark survey conducted amongst 8,000 UK adults that has uncovered the state of the nation’s health and wellbeing.
The research found that among those working from home more frequently, one in five (19%) are exercising less often, driven by the removal of the daily commute. It also showed that physical (29%) and mental (34%) health of UK adults declined during the pandemic, exacerbated by lockdowns and the impact of increased remote working.
The risks of a sedentary lifestyle are well documented. Studies show that inactivity can be as harmful to the body as smoking, and spending more time sitting is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and blood clots. Sedentary lifestyles have also been linked to mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
