Carrying heavy bags can lead to back pain
Two-thirds of fashion-conscious young women in the UK have been affected by a new medical condition blamed on Victoria Beckham.
Experts say ‘Poshitis’ is caused by regularly carrying large, stuffed, tote handbags in the crook of your elbow, causing muscles to tear and tendons to inflame, and A-lister Posh is the leading exponent of the trend.
New research by Halo wipes, discovered the health problem is much more widespread than previously thought and is facilitated by the fact that many women are now on the go for longer than ever.
The beauty brand conducted the study among 1,500 women aged 25 – 45 and found that one in ten are on the go for more than 15 hours a day, so keeping fresh and looking good is a major concern for them.
As a result, a fifth admitted to lugging around handbags that weigh half a stone or more, with an average weight of four-and-a-half pounds.
Poshitis first hit the headlines last month, which led Halo to investigate just how many women were affected by this modern-day condition.
Two-thirds of UK women aged 25 - 45 told researchers they have suffered from tendon, back or shoulder pain as a result of carrying oversized handbags like Victoria, Cheryl Cole, or Made in Chelsea star, Binky Felstead.
The most popular items found in handbags are perfume and deodorant, make-up, phone and charger, a change of clothes and dry shampoo.
Made in Chelsea’s Binky Felstead has been hit by ‘Poshitis’ and was shocked to discover how harmful a heavy handbag can be.
She said: “I love my oversized handbags but now that I know that ‘Poshitis’ is a real condition I will be extra careful in the future.
“I live out of my handbag and never leave the house without my mobile phone, flat shoes, Halo wipes, a bottle of water and enough make-up to recreate my face from scratch.
“After a long day on the go, my shoulder and inner arm would start to ache but I used to ignore it and think it was just because I was tired, but I now know that this could be causing me damage in the long term.
“As much as I love Victoria, I don’t want to continue to suffer from ‘Poshitis’! I’m going to have a really good clear out of my favourite handbags and I advise other women to do the same.”
Andrew Freeman, commercial manager at Halo, said: “Our research highlights a serious concern that many women are suffering health problems caused by carrying heavy handbags.
“Lugging such a weight for a prolonged period can have a huge impact on posture and movement which is why it’s important to limit loads and try to distribute the weight they are carrying.”