Even MPs struggle to meet the healthy guidelines
The government has specific health guidelines it suggests we follow for a healthy lifestyle, but a new study reveals even MPs struggle to meet them.
The health and lifestyle choices of Britain’s MPs have been highlighted in a study by Nuffield health which shows that 46% of parliamentarians fail to meet the Government's recommendation of two and a half hours of moderate activity each week.
Almost nine in ten MPs of those questioned admit that they exceed NHS daily calorie guidelines at least once a week - with 71 per cent overeating up to four days a week.
And a half admitted they had embarked on a diet in the past 12 months.
Dr Davina Deniszczyc, Nuffield Health’s Medical Director, Wellbeing, said:
"The health of the nation’s MPs directly reflects the health dangers all of us in the UK are facing due to low levels of physical activity, poor diet, sleep and too much alcohol.
“Modern-day living is all about convenience which leads to reduced levels of exercise, poor diet, and poor work/life balance. Social pressure can also cause increased alcohol consumption.
“We would encourage everyone, including MPs, to do something different tomorrow from today, make one change, drink one less glass of wine, eat one more healthy meal, walk a little bit further.”
When it comes to sleep a quarter get less than six hours sleep each night, compared with the recommended level of between seven and nine hours a night. And almost a third says their levels of stress adversely affect their health at least twice a week.
Alcohol intake seems to be a problem too, a fifth of femal MPs exceed the Department of Health’s safe weekly intake guidline of 21 unites and the same of male MPs too, with 19% consuming more than 28-unit suggested safe limit.
Asked whether they thought their lifestyle was healthy or unhealthy, four in ten MPs said unhealthy.
Fabian Hamilton, MP, said:
“Like many, the job of MPs makes it difficult for us to balance the pressure of work with the exercise and diet that are needed to live in a healthy way.
“Despite this, in recent years my circumstances have encouraged me to take responsibility for improving my health by increased physical activity through regular cycling, eating more healthily and managing stress.
“I welcome this study and, in my view, it is important that those of my colleagues, who do not already do so, take similar action.”
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