FREEDOM day is upon us but experts have warned that our health could be at risk if bad lockdown habits aren't ditched.

Shocking images show how overeating and a lack of sunlight could impact Brits in five years, if we continue to live the same way some have been for the past 18 months.

Visuals from LloydsPharmacy show a hunched woman with poor posture, who has gained weight and developed sallow skin, deteriorating eyesight, hair loss, and damaged teeth from grinding in her sleep.

Experts want to highlight the detrimental impact that lockdown has had on our overall health, and how these habits could continue to impact us in later life.

Dr Kieran Seyan, Medical Director from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor said that the coronavirus pandemic has forced one of the biggest shifts in human behaviour that we’ve ever seen.

He explained: "These new habits and routines, which have resulted from lockdown restrictions, such as working from home, increased screen time and a lack of motivation to exercise, may be set to stay.

“It’s important that people understand that these negative changes could be impacting individual health and mental wellbeing. As unhealthy habits have formed gradually over the past year, many may be unaware of how much they have become part of their everyday lifestyles."

He added that small changes can make a big difference, and with that in mind, he highlighted the biggest issues plaguing Brits and what to do about them.

Weight gain

Over the last year LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor reported a 155 per cent increase in searches for weight loss.

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the nation's obesity crisis and the government has launched several campaigns to help people who need to lose weight.

Research from LloydsPharmacy found that two-fifths of British adults admitted to putting on weight since lockdown began, with the average gaining nearly a stone on average.

Over 40 per cent of people who gained weight in lockdown said it was because they had been eating more due to more stress and anxiety caused by Covid.

LloydsPharmacy Chief Superintendent Pharmacist, Victoria Steele said there are small things you can do that can help.

She explained: "Before the pandemic people were undertaking a daily commute and just generally getting out and about much more than we are now.

"This new sedentary lifestyle as a result of lockdown restrictions, is likely to be playing a role in contributing to the nation’s weight gain, which can easily spiral out of control when you start to lose motivation and confidence.

"Therefore, its important people find new ways to incorporate the recommended 30 minutes of daily exercise, five times week to get their body moving to reduce our risk of ill health. Simple things you could do is take a brisk daily walk, do an at-home workout before or after work.”

Posture

Many people have been working from home during the pandemic which has meant makeshift offices have been set up in bedrooms and kitchens across the country.

From the desk we then slump on the sofa, and experts say being in these unnatural positions all day can lead to stiffness, back and neck pain as well as having a negative impact on our posture and muscles.

People should aim to break long periods of inactivity with a couple of minutes each hour.

You can simply get up and walk around – or follow these tips to help get your back, back to optimal health.

Victoria added: "For those who must use a screen for work for more than one hour a day, employers will now pay for eye tests as part of UK health and safety legislation – so ensuring you have regular checks is really important if you’re working long hours in front of the computer, commented."

Sleep

Stress can cause a lack of sleep and 53 per cent of Brits say their sleep patterns have been worse since the start of the pandemic.

Experts said that many of us have taken to watching the news more often, which over the last 18 months, has caused significant stress.

Expert Sleep Physiologist, Stephanie Romiszewski said you should try and go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, and that you should avoid watching TV too close to bed time.

She explained: "At the very least, make sure you tidy away at the end of each day. Pack away what you can and even cover up your workstation so it can be tucked away both physically and mentally.

"Mark that transition properly for your brain so it doesn’t get confused between wake time and sleep time”.

Sexual performance

Many Brits reportedly lost their libido during lockdown.

Covid has also caused a surge in men searching for premature ejaculation and women have also felt as though they are unable to get the support they have needed from health care professionals.

Victoria added: "We know that the past year has been very stressful for many. From speaking to women and understanding their concerns, it’s clear that stress is taking its toll not just on their sex lives but on many aspects of their health.

"Some women may have found it harder to access the support they need, not knowing where to go. This is alongside a possible decline in advice sharing amongst friends and family, as a result of social distancing.”

The first step is to talk to your partner about any issues or reservations you might be having in the bedroom.

You should also talk to your GP if your problems persist.

Stress and anxiety

As lockdown lifts, experts have warned that Brits could enter into a mental health pandemic as many people struggle to cope with the 'new normal'.

LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, Dr Amita Bhattacharjee said: “Stress and anxiety can impact the body in many ways and the degree to which people are able to cope varies significantly too.

"Your body perceives stress as a threat, causing a surge of hormones to create a chemical reaction to occur as a way of dealing with pressure and preventing injury – known as the ‘flight or fight’ response. If you continue to feel stressed, these hormone levels stay raised”.

Common signs of stress and anxiety include increased heart rate, loss of appetite, digestive health complaints (such as irritable bowel syndrome), headaches/ migraines, pain, dizziness, sleeping disruption and even hair loss.

Dr Amita said: “Although stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming at times, ensuring you’re ditching unhealthy habits acquired over lockdown such as drinking alcohol and takeaways and looking after your physical and mental wellbeing by exercising regularly, eating healthily, staying hydrated and getting enough sleep, will help your body deal with these situations in the future.

"Practising active relaxation through practices such as mindfulness and medication can also be key in helping manage stress”.  

Vitamin D

Spending more time indoors has meant many of us have had a lack of vitamin D as we can get it from sunlight.

LloydsPharmacy Pharmacist, Anshu Kaura said your skin produces vitamin D on its own when you spend time in the sun.

“However, with lockdown restrictions limiting time outside during the darker winter months, many may have felt the impact of not getting enough vitamin D in their diet, such as having weak teeth that easily chip and crack.

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"Longer-term, vitamin deficiencies can have more serious consequences, such as loss of bone density which can led to osteoporosis, broken bones and a range of other diseases.”

Try and spend more time outside, but always remember to wear sunscreen.

If you can't spend more time outside then you should consider taking a supplement to help you get the correct levels you need.

LloydsPharmacy has launched a Medicated Weight Loss Service which may help those with a BMI of 27+ with a weight related co-morbidity, or a BMI above 30 to achieve sustained and healthy weight loss.

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