PHE survey shows quitting ambition for 2021

New survey data from Public Health England (PHE) shows that more than four in 10 (43 percent) of regular smokers plan to make a quit attempt in 2021, as Britons look to make a series of healthier life choices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the public in making these changes, PHE has launched a ‘Better Health new year’ campaign to encourage the nation to work towards a healthier lifestyle – by quitting smoking, losing weight, getting more active or looking after their mental wellbeing. The campaign offers support through a variety of tools and apps, including the updated NHS 12 Week Weight Loss app.

Dr Alison Tedstone, chief nutritionist at PHE said: “The past year has been immensely challenging and being stuck at home much more this year, understandably, has seen some unhealthy habits creeping up on us all. But our survey shows the vast majority of us want to do something positive this year to improve our health and now is a good time for a reset, whether it be eating more healthily, being a healthier weight, getting more active, stopping smoking or doing more to look after our mental health.”

The data also showed that 29 percent of smokers agreed they smoked more since the second national lockdown, attributing the change to being worried about their physical and mental health (42 percent) and having money worries (41 percent).