Foto: iStock/Nastco

…the people in Switzerland gained an average of 3.3 kilograms in weight during the past 18 months?

This was discovered by a representative study of the University of St. Gallen, which was conducted in June. Studies from 2008, 2014, and 2019 were used as comparative figures.

The reasons are quite obvious

The sharp increase is due to the change in habits during the pandemic, because between 2014 and 2019, the average increase was only 100 grams! Since we didn't have to commute due to working from home, we moved (even) less than before. At the same time, we repeatedly consumed unnecessary calories throughout the day, seeing as these are much closer to hand in our own four walls. On top of that, the gyms were closed, the weekly running group training was cancelled, and sports events could not take place. The result of this complete lack of structure and goals during the past 18 months can now be seen on the scales.

What can we learn from this?

• Changing habits with less exercise and more calories have an inevitable impact on weight.
• You should take being overweight seriously because it can trigger health problems such as type two diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular diseases.
• If you want to maintain or lower your weight, you should change your diet and increase your output with combined strength and endurance training.
• Health does not come for free. It is therefore worthwhile reserving fixed training times in your agenda – and use them, too. It is much easier to stay in rhythm than restore it!
• Goals invariably drive and motivate you and can have a very positive impact, especially during difficult times such as a pandemic.