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Claire Calman

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Claire Calman,

claire calman

Opinion

Post-lockdown dieting is actually piece of cake

If you have put on weight during lockdown, fret not: after faultlessly handling the pandemic, the government is going to solve obesity

August 6, 2020 11:23
Go compare: bellies have expanded during the pandemic
3 min read

Relax. If, like me, you have put on weight during lockdown, fret not. In my defence, we were basically forced to stay at home all day, and carbs consumption in our household rocketed to previously unseen levels; every time I managed to get any flour, I was overwhelmed by a compulsion to bake — Madeira cake, chocolate chip cookies, macaroons, scones (three batches), sourdough bread, poppy seed rolls, shortbread, bara brith (I’m not even Welsh! There’s no excuse), homemade pizza… But it’s ok — the government has finally noticed that over 60 per cent of UK adults are overweight or obese, and is going to combat the obesity epidemic.

I hope you’re reassured by that. How fortunate we are that the brilliant brains who have steered the UK so ably through the pandemic thus far (our per capita death rate is second only to that of Belgium) are now turning their attention towards our waistlines.

Yes, just think how much progress we might make, assisted by the finely-honed strategic thinking and crystal-clear communications that have been such distinctive features of our politicians’ approach to the crisis. Why, we can probably get that paltry 60 per cent figure much closer to 100 per cent with a bit of effort.

Like Boris, I am 56 and overweight, but whereas Boris has lost weight since catching Covid-19, I have put on the pounds (and, really, I’ve barely had to try – it’s a gift). This means I have far greater experience in this field. Like the government, I have no qualms about offering advice where it may not be wanted. Nor will I let a trifling detail like not being a nutritionist stand in my way.