Cost of Healthy Eating and Exercise: The Biggest Barriers to Weight Loss
Price hikes threaten weight loss goals: Survey reveals more and more people struggle with rising food and fitness costs
As inflation continues to rise in the UK, cost-of-living pressures affect people in all aspects of life – with many people struggling to pay household bills and afford their food shop. Forty percent of adults now admit to spending less on food and non-essentials. And with a recent study revealing a basket of healthy food costs more than double the price of less healthy options, does this mean many are missing out on essential nutrients?
Well, it’s certainly derailing many people’s weight loss goals, according to a new survey of 2,000 Brits conducted by Oxford Online Pharmacy, where nearly 1 in 5 Brits (18.4%) cite the cost of healthy eating and exercise as one of the biggest barriers to losing weight. The issue is worse in some parts of the UK than others, with Belfast (28%) and Southampton (24%) topping the list of cities most affected.
Recent local reports from Northern Ireland have revealed the cost of food, increasing rent and mortgage payments are top financial concerns for those in the region. Meanwhile, since the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis, Southampton has experienced worsening levels of poverty and deprivation and is considered one of the most deprived areas of the UK.
Alongside the pressures of affording healthy food, the increasing cost of fitness memberships has driven more than a third of Brits out of the gym nationwide.
Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, discusses affordability as a barrier to weight loss and shares tips for managing weight loss on a budget…
“It’s interesting, but not surprising, that 1 in 5 Brits say the cost of healthy eating and exercise is one of the biggest barrier to weight loss.
“The truth is, it’s not all about ‘eating clean’ and ‘getting fit’ – it’s about whether people can afford to try altogether.
“With 60% of UK households seeing a decline in their disposable income and healthy living becoming increasingly more expensive in recent years, buying the top branded healthy foods or maintaining a gym membership is no longer a priority.
“When you have to make tough decisions between paying for rent, bills and food, health often takes a backseat, meaning many are opting for cheaper processed food, which not only contribute to weight gain but also lack essential nutrients.
“However, consumers shouldn’t give up on their weight goals just because of money.”
Top tips for losing weight on a budget:
1. Plan ahead
Losing weight requires discipline and planning, so getting your shopping list together before going to the supermarket will be more cost-effective.
Write down the exact meals you’d like to buy and the ingredients required and research the rough costs of everything.
Essentials for weight loss include lean protein, fibre-rich foods, fruits and vegetables and healthy fats. Buying ingredients like eggs, meat, or whole grains in bulk for multiple meals across the week will likely be cheaper, while whole foods are often less expensive than processed foods and sold in larger quantities.
Additionally, cooking bigger portions that you can have for lunches or the following night can save you money and stop you from buying things on a whim or eating unhealthy food out of convenience.
2. Look for cheaper alternatives
Eating healthy and exercising can be costly, especially if you’re constantly looking for the best of the best.
Branded food products, in particular, have previously faced criticism for escalating prices. But unbranded versions of your favourite products have just as much nutritional value for half the price. Similarly, fresh fruits and vegetables can be substituted for frozen alternatives.
And while gym memberships or classes have become extortionate, there are plenty of free activities which won’t break the bank, such as walking, running, or cycling. To build muscle, consider home workouts using dumbbells, resistance bands, or simple bodyweight exercises that don’t require equipment. Some public parks now have workout equipment that is free to utilise, too.
3. Access free professional support
Weight loss isn’t all about trying out all the popular fad diets or joining the top-of-the-range gym or exercise classes and neither does it require a personal trainer or dietitian.
There is plenty of cost-effective professional support available to anyone struggling to lose weight. The NHS offers several free online resources, including downloadable weight loss programmes and recipes for people trying to lose weight.
Additionally, your GP can refer you to weight loss support, such as weight loss programmes, local weight loss groups, exercise on prescription programs, or even specialists. Weight loss injections may be available via the NHS or private prescription if you fit the eligible criteria.