• UK adults gained a combined 99 million pounds in weight while celebrating Christmas 2021, 5.7lbs or 2.8kg per person
• 62 per cent of those who gained weight intend to lose it in the first three months of 2022
• 82 per cent of Brits have personal goals for 2022, with saving more (40 per cent), improving fitness (36 per cent) and losing weight (33 per cent) the top three

New research from Direct Line Life Insurance[1] reveals that Brits gained a combined 99 million pounds (7 million stone or 45 million kg) in weight over Christmas 2021. Almost a third (32 per cent) of UK adults gained weight over December, at an average of 5.7lbs or 2.8kgs per person.

In positive news for 2022, people are however, motivated to get in shape. Four fifths (80 per cent) of those who gained weight are planning to lose it and 62 per cent are planning on doing so within the first three months of the year.

Those planning to lose weight are taking a sensible approach, with almost three quarters  (74 per cent or 9.9 million) taking action by being more conscious of what they eat. Two fifths (41 per cent), some 5.5 million people, are going to walk more instead of driving or taking public transport and 22 per cent (three million) are looking to improve their sleep length and quality. Only six per cent (740,000 people) are going to try a fad or flash diet in order to lose the weight.

One of the key goals for Brits this year is to save money, with 21 million (40 per cent) looking to increase their savings across the year. The next three most popular personal goals in 2022 are improving fitness (36 per cent), losing weight (33 per cent) and improving diet (29 per cent). Overall, 82 per cent of Brits have personal goals for the year ahead.

The UK’s Top 10 Personal Goals for 2022

Source: Direct Line Life Insurance 2022

Vincent Guadagnino, Communications Manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, commented: “Health is always about balance, but it is great to move through the new year with an optimistic outlook towards self-improvement. As many head back to workplaces following easing of restrictions, now could be the time to focus on health and wellbeing.

“For those who are keen to make some changes during 2022, they may want to consider Direct Line Life Insurance as it currently comes with Smart Health by AIG which gives 24-hour remote access to a range of health and wellbeing services, currently including nutrition and fitness advice, as well as access to mental health experts.”

Smart Health is provided to AIG customers by Teladoc Health. The services don’t form part of the insurance contract and could be changed or withdrawn in the future. Available to the policyholder, their partner/spouse and children up to the age of 21.

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Notes to Editors

^1.      Omnibus research commissioned among 2,000 UK adults between December 3^rd – 7^th 2021 and 2,005 UK adults between January 7^th – 11^th 2022

For further information please contact:

Chelsey Wheeler 

Direct Line Group 

Tel: 01685 832 095

Email: c[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 Life Limited, part of the American International Group, Inc. Registered office: The AIG Building, 58 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4AB. AIG Life Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority (FRN number 473752. 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.