New research has found that two thirds of British consumers gain more weight during the summer barbecue season than at any other time of the year.
In a study of nearly 2,200 adults from across the UK, 67% said that they noticed the most weight gain between June and September. Researchers calculated that respondents ate 1,775 calories as part of a typical barbecue – but, when asked to estimate the amount they had eaten, participants underestimated their calorie intake by more than 1,000 calories. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers and chicken wings were the three most popular offending foods.
More than half of those who noticed weight gain during the summer months attributed it to the food they ate, while just over one third thought that their increased level of alcohol consumption was to blame. The findings challenge the country’s long-considered relationship between Christmas and excessive food behaviour.
The study was conducted by money-saving website Voucher Codes Pro.
Voucher Codes Pro CEO Nick Swan said: “From hot dogs to cheeseburgers, traditional barbecue cuisine is one of the UK’s favourite summertime treats – and who can blame us?
“It is important, however, to ensure that you exercise regularly and keep yourself active to avoid putting on extra weight during summer. Barbecue foods aren’t exactly the healthiest, so people need to make sure that they keep themselves fit and have some salad on their plate along with all the burgers and sausages!”
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