Brits’ top 20 biggest winter health worries revealed

BRITS’ biggest winter worries include catching Covid, a lack of vitamin D, and eating unhealthily.

A poll of 2,000 adults found 39 per cent have concerns when it comes to their health or wellbeing during the colder months.

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Developing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a worry for 17 per cent, while 30 per cent fret about their lack of motivation from the shorter days.

And 32 per cent are already getting chills at the thought of adopting a ‘winter diet’ and eating types of foods that aren’t nutritionally beneficial.

Other winter dreads include getting dry skin and lips, having to get out of the shower, and waking up and coming home in the dark.

The study was commissioned by California Walnuts, which has teamed up with NHS GP, Dr Amir Khan to share his advice on how to maintain a healthy diet during winter.

Dr Amir said: “When the days start to get shorter and the weather starts to change, so can our moods and behaviour – which is only natural.

“Instead of wanting to spend more time outdoors, many of us typically want to stay inside and get cosy, and rather than choosing to eat colourful meals, we opt for dishes that makes us feel full and comforted.

“However, it’s important to try and keep some lifestyle habits the same rather than losing them altogether as this is best for both our physical and mental health and keeps us well all year round.”

When winter hits, 44 per cent crave more unhealthy foods with 32 per cent typically eating less healthily compared to the rest of the year.

And 28 per cent admit to snacking on more ‘naughty’ things when the temperature drops.

Soups, stews and pies are the most popular comfort foods, with 19 per cent also frequently turning to chocolate.

Despite the change in appetite, 56 per cent don’t take any supplements from December to February to help keep their diet balanced.

However, of those who do, Vitamin D, multivitamins and Omega-3 are high on list.

According to the OnePoll.com data, 52 per cent are fully expecting to get ill at some point this winter.

The average adult predicts they will come down with a cold, cough or the sniffles twice, with a fifth of workers claiming they take more sick days in winter than summer.

It’s also a struggle for 64 per cent to get out of bed on colder mornings, 57 per cent feel more lethargic and 40 per cent are less productive.

And 35 per cent even admitted to spending more time in a bad mood throughout the winter months.

Dr Amir added: “Many people worry about what the winter means for their lifestyle but making small changes can make a big difference starting with what you eat.

“It may feel natural to reach for unhealthier foods in winter, but as with most things it’s all about balance, and nutritious foods should not be forgotten.

“Take a handful of walnuts for example – it is the only tree nut to contain significant amounts of the plant-based essential omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (2.7g/30g) – something which the body can’t naturally produce – and which research indicates may play a role in heart health, brain health, and healthy aging.

“But while a healthy immune system can’t be achieved with one food alone, a balanced diet along with physical activity and regular sleep can certainly help during the winter months.”