Time to shed the Christmas gains

NEWLY published research shows that 24% of Munster people, including those in Clare, tend to gain 3lbs or 1.5kg over the Christmas period and a further 24% tend to gain 2lbs or 1kg. If not addressed, weight gains could have a significant impact on the health of the nation, at a time when obesity figures are steadily increasing worldwide.
The research, carried out on behalf of Aviva Health Insurance, has shown the impact of Christmas eating and exercise habits, highlighting the need and importance of proactive health management.
Almost half (47%) of Munster people eat one and a half times more over the Christmas holidays, while a further 24% eat twice as much as they normally would during the rest of the year, according to the research.
The primary cause for this behaviour was identified as eating larger dinner portions than usual (55%), while chocolate came in a close second, with 60% of people saying they overeat the sweet treat.
The Aviva Get Fit Action Plan is a national campaign calling on all men and women across Ireland to take positive action to be more proactive about their health in 2012.
Encouragingly, the research also found that 57% of Munster respondents exercise over the Christmas period but of the remaining respondents who did not exercise, ‘I’m too lazy’, ‘weather is too bad’ and ‘I use Christmas for a rest’ were identified as the main reasons for a lack of motivation to exercise. Furthermore, over a quarter (28%) of respondents said they consumed 10 more units of alcohol over the Christmas holidays in one week compared with a normal week.
Commenting on the research, GP on Aviva’s medical council, Dr Stephen Murphy said, “Every year, I see my patients resolve to get back into shape in the new year. However, being proactive about your health is much more than losing weight in the short-term. Even just 30 minutes of exercise three times a week can have a huge impact on your energy and stress levels, sleeping patterns and risk of conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. I would urge everyone to complete Aviva’s new online health check called Aviva Way to Health available at www.avivahealth.ie and to participate in the challenge to bring about behavioural change that can prolong and improve quality of life.”
A team of experts will work alongside a number of celebrities as they undertake the challenge, assessing their health and fitness levels, monitoring their progress and offering advice.
One of the celebrities is former contestant on RTE’s Masterchef Ireland and food enthusiast, Pierce Maher. Pierce said, “I have steadily put on weight over the past 10 years but am now the heaviest I have ever been. A big wake-up call came about when my dad’s health began to deteriorate a couple of years ago due to the onset of diabetes. I know that if I carry on the way I am I could also end up with health problems and I don’t want that to be me.
“Hopefully, by taking part in the Get Fit Action Plan, I can lose some weight and build up my strength and stamina so that I can play football with my seven-year-old and give him a run for his money.”
Nutritionist Emma Buckley noted, “There is little point in hitting the gym every day if you are not fueling your body in the right way and the best way to start this is by looking at your relationship with food. Some people find that they eat more when they are alone or when they are stressed out, so by looking at this relationship you can learn how to change the cycle and find a diet plan that suits your lifestyle.”
For further information about the Aviva Get Fit Action Plan, visit www.avivahealth.ie or www.facebook.com/avivaireland.