The rise in the cost of living is hitting everyone hard and a new survey has found women have to make difficult spending choices at the expense of their health. Skipping meals to save money, drinking more alcohol, comfort-eating due to stress and giving up gym memberships, the pinch affects their health and well-being.
A new survey, conducted by medically-certified self-care health platform Healthily, found that nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of 700 respondents, aged between 25 and 50, acknowledged that the financial crisis “affects their physical and mental health.”
And more than eight out of 10 (81 percent) reported “higher levels of stress”.
Chief Medical Officer at Healthily, Professor Maureen Baker, said the survey shows exactly how much the cost of living crisis is affecting not only spending habits but health in the UK.
“The women we spoke to are delaying dental treatment, cutting back on critical illness insurance and postponing starting a family,” she said.
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“It shows how deeply the cost of living crisis is affecting women’s health.
“Very high numbers have said that this worry about money leads to higher stress levels, which is worrying because stress can cause mental health and sleep problems.
“With the UK NHS in crisis following COVID-19 and the economic pressures we are all under, this is a particularly worrying time for anyone concerned about their health or the management of a long-term illness,” he said. Professor Baker added.
“More than two-thirds of women say they lie awake worrying about the cost of living and that lack of sleep can also affect blood pressure and heart health, making it harder to lead a healthy lifestyle and keep weight under control.”
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The survey also found that 39 percent of women reduce their spending on vitamins and supplements.
While most people can get all the vitamins and minerals they need by eating a healthy, balanced diet, others need a little boost in the form of supplements.
Vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium and vitamin C, are essential nutrients that the body needs in small amounts to function properly.
Professor Barker explained: “There is a danger that women will miss out on essentials such as vitamin D or iron.
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“Especially because it’s often cheaper to go directly to your pharmacist than to buy on prescription.”
Participants also admitted that they skipped meals to reduce costs, something that Professor Barker worried about.
“Our survey shows that 40 percent of meals have been skipped to save money and it is clear that skipping meals will have a very direct effect on your health, including potential malnutrition and simply not enough energy to take care of yourself and your family. do not see. “
If you do not eat the right amount, the body can lower its metabolism, causing people to burn fewer calories, which ultimately leads to weight gain.
Dietitian Katherine Tallmadge offered some solutions to eat healthy but keep costs low.
Plan ahead not to “buy over”
Buy products in season
Use sales and coupons
Think frozen, canned or dried
Save on Protein Foods
Do not waste, do not want to.
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