·         14.2 million Brits admit to increasing their alcohol consumption since the start of lockdown earlier this year

·         262,000 people are now having their first drink before noon on a weekday

·         Almost a third of us are consuming an extra 663 calories every day

·         Despite taking up new forms of exercise such as daily walks, people have only upped their weekly exercise by 10 minutes

 

Since lockdown measures were introduced in March this year, more than a quarter of a million (262,000) Brits admit they are having an alcoholic drink before midday on a weekday, reveals new research from Direct Line Life Insurance.¹ More than 14.2 million people (27 per cent) across the UK have increased the amount of alcohol they are drinking every week. The study shows on average, people have increased their consumption by 12.6 units per week in the daytime and a further 14.6 units in the evening. This is the equivalent of an extra two pints of beer or four small glasses of wine every day.

With many people now working from home and having easy access to the kitchen cupboards, the fridge and freezer, snacking habits have also increased. The new research shows that 14 million people (27 per cent) are now snacking more throughout the day. Over 10.4 million Brits (20 per cent) claim to have increased the amount of unhealthy food they are eating each week compared to their pre-lockdown diets. With restaurants and cafes closed 4.1 million people (eight per cent) also admit to ordering more takeaways, further increasing the amount of unhealthy food they are consuming.

As a result of this unhealthy eating, people have increased their calorie intake. The findings show that almost a third (31 per cent) are consuming more calories each day, at an average of 671 for those eating more. With the recommended calorie intake for women being 2,000 and for men 2,500, women, those who have eaten more have upped their daily intake by 32 per cent and men by 28 per cent.

During lockdown, millions of Brits have taken up new forms of exercise that they previously did not do. Daily walks are the most common form of exercise that people across the UK have started to incorporate into their routine with 10 million  (19 per cent) pounding the pavement. The second most common form of lockdown exercise is home cardio workouts (14 per cent or 7.5 million people) followed by online fitness classes (13 per cent or 7 million ). Going jogging (8 per cent or 4.1 million) and yoga or pilates (7 per cent or 3.8 million ) also make the top five.

Despite taking up new forms of exercise, people are not doing enough to counter the extra calories they are consuming. On average, the amount of time someone is exercising each week has only increased by as little as 10 minutes, from 2 hours 49 minutes per week before lockdown, to 2 hours 53 minutes during lockdown.

Table one: Forms of exercise people have started doing during lockdown 

Source: Direct Line Life Insurance 2020

Chloe Couper, Business Manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, commented: “Lockdown has been extremely challenging for many people. With most facing radical changes to their work and home life. Although it can be easy to go to the  kitchen and grab an unhealthy snack or  pour an alcoholic drink, it is important to remember the importance of a balanced lifestyle. In such an uncertain time, where health and wellness is at the front of everyone’s mind, looking after yourself and your family is crucial.

“Direct Line Life Insurance (provided by AIG) gives customers access to the Smart Health online app, allowing them to keep on top of their health and wellbeing with nutritional consultations and an online fitness programme. Smart Health also provides customers with unlimited, 24-hour access to health services such as UK-based GPs and mental health support.”

One positive of lockdown is that people are getting more sleep.  21.8 million Brits (42 per cent) say they have also managed to get on average an extra 4 hours and 22 minutes more sleep per week. More sleep, will be having a positive impact on people’s mental and physical health, with better sleeping being linked to better immune function, an improved mood, reduced stress and increased productivity.²

Post lockdown health kick    

Looking to the future, many Brits plan on leaving the unhealthy habits developed in quarantine behind. Over a quarter (13.7 million) claiming they will reduce the amount of unhealthy food they eat once lockdown is lifted. A further 25 per cent (12.9 million) say they will snack less, 23 per cent (12 million) intend to eat more fruit and vegetables and 19 per cent (9.8 million) are planning on ordering less takeaways. Brits also plan to intensify the amount of exercise they do. On average, people plan to boost the amount of time they spend exercising by 14 per cent, to a total of 3 hours 17 minutes per week. 

     - ENDS -

 

Notes to Editors

¹ Research conducted by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults between 21^st - 23^rd April 2020 

²https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-why-good-sleep-is-important#3.-Good-sleep-can-improve-concentration-and-productivity

For further information please contact:

Claire Jarrett

PR Manager

Direct Line Group

Tel: 01651 832411

Email: [email protected]

Alannah Sims

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: 0207 025 6563

Email: [email protected] 

 

Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel, pet and life insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line life insurance policies are underwritten by AIG, part of the American International Group UK Limited, registered office: The AIG Building, 58 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4AB. American International Group UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (FRN number 781109. You can check the FCA register at www.fca.org.uk/register or call the FCA on 0800 111 6768.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0800 077 8297 or visiting www.directline.com/life-cover.