More people are pledging to make New Year resolutions following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, research has revealed.
It suggested 25 per cent more than usual have promised to make the fitness vow compared to the previous year, with weight loss and extra exercise topping the list.
However, data suggests Britons are also planning to focus 2021 resolutions more on mental wellbeing (37 per cent) and saving money (36 per cent), as the global pandemic shifts priorities.
The survey, commissioned by The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan, found that more than nine million more people could be making New Years resolutions compared with last year.
A third of those polled are more likely to adopt a diet or exercise programme to lose weight in 2021, with 20 per cent confessing that Covid-19 has shown them the importance of being a healthy weight. 15 per cent also admitted their concern about the impact of future pandemics, and therefore wanting to make a change before its too late.
Women showed a particular determination to setting goals, with almost one in five revealing the Covid-19 pandemic has changed their outlook, and they are now more driven to make positive changes in their life.
Men were shown to be the most likely to put on extra weight, with 10 per cent revealing they had previously experienced a seven to eight pounds weight gain over the Christmas period alone.
Northern Ireland proved to be the most affected region across the UK during the pandemic, with 14 per cent of people putting on more than a stone since it began in March 2020 - almost three times the UK average.
You don't have to suffer in silence if you're struggling with your mental health. Here are some groups you can contact when you need help:
Samaritans: Phone 116 123, 24 hours a day, or emailjo@samaritans.org, in confidence
Childline: Phone 0800 1111. Calls are free and won't show up on your bill
PAPYRUS: A voluntary organisation supporting suicidal teens and young adults. Phone 0800 068 4141
Depression Alliance: A charity for people with depression. No helpline but offers useful resources and links to other information on itswebsite
Students Against Depression: A website for students who are depressed, have low mood, or are suicidal. Clickhereto visit
Bullying UK: A website for both children and adults affected by bullying. Clickhere
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): For young men who are feeling unhappy. Has a websitehereand a helpline: 0800 58 58 58
The nationwide average weight gain since the start of 2020 has been a staggering 11 lbs.
Mark Gilbert, nutritionist at The 1:1 Diet, said: With many people recovering from an extremely tough year in 2020, and taking into account the Christmas celebrations, the weight gain stats are completely understandable.
"However, it is encouraging to see so many people wanting to focus on bettering their health in 2021, and that includes their mental wellbeing too.
New Year is a great time to start afresh, but its important to put a strategy in place to ensure healthy habits and a positive mindset are instilled from the get-go.
"Try to plan your meals and the times you eat each day to limit the chances of reaching for snacks, limit your sugary drink intake, and eat foods that are high in protein and fibre to help you stay fuller for longer.
Top five New Years resolutions for 2021:
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Weight loss tops New Year resolution wish-list following Covid-19 impact - Leicestershire Live
