Women weigh 7.4lbs lighter in the summer
The average woman’s weight fluctuates by 1.6 stones during her lifetime – but she always looks her best in the summer, it has been revealed. Researchers found women typically start the year 7.4lbs (or 118.4 ounces) heavier than their ideal weight but go on to shed the required amount by the time spring arrives.
The study also found that collectively British women will shed a combined 196 million lbs this summer – more than 139 jumbo jets – with not being able to squeeze into last summer’s clothes and feeling bits wobble were among the top incentives.
The research, commissioned by Sorelle, an alcohol-free wine alternative, found that four in ten women admit to yo-yo dieting, as results showed a woman’s weight fluctuates by 1.6 stone when comparing her at the heaviest and lightest weight she’s ever been.
Just 7% of the 2,000 women studied said they managed to keep their weight constant all year round.
TV star and Sorelle’s Summer Health ambassador Tina Hobley comments: “We all want to look our best when the sun comes out, and for lots of women it’s the hidden calories in wine and beer that stop them from shedding the pounds. It’s always important to think about what you are eating and drinking.
“Different seasons definitely dictate how much we eat and drink because of the number of social occasions and this can play havoc on our health and weight. Christmas is obviously a peak time for high calorific foods and alcohol and few of us can resist tucking into a few chocolate eggs at Easter.
“As the thought of getting into that beach bikini or in summer clothes now becomes a reality, so lots of women start to watch what they eat at this time of year. Very few are able to stick to one specific weight throughout the year and it’s hard to keep a consistent weight.”
When asked what their biggest weight worries were, women said that not fitting into an old dress (54%), seeing pictures of themselves when they were thinner (41%) and feeling wobbly bits when walking (38%) came in as the top three.
Being tagged in unflattering Facebook photos, a friend losing weight, or being bought an item of clothing that turns out to be too small were also among the top 10 worry triggers.
Women also revealed their summer weight-loss motivation, with a fear of getting their arms out and exposing more skin among the top reasons.
For a third of those polled it was looking their best for an upcoming wedding, either to impress an old friend or ex, while 32% of women also admitted that seeing a friend that’s in great shape also drove them to kick-start a healthier lifestyle.
A concerned six in ten women keep a close eye on their weight all through the year and admit it’s never far from their thoughts.
Three quarters of the women questioned are usually at their heaviest in winter – with January deemed the worst month in terms of her weight.
But nearly a quarter of women admitted they are still aiming to get into an outfit that they have hanging up in the wardrobe for the summer.
Tina Hobley added: “With the lure of a nice beer garden or numerous summer parties and barbecues it can be harder than ever to watch our figures, and our alcohol intake often rises the more we socialise. However, for those worried about the calories, there are always low-calorie or alcohol free options.”
Top 10 causes of weight worry
1. Outgrowing or not fitting into a favourite outfit
2. Seeing old pictures of yourself
3. Bits wobbling when you run/walk
4. Seeing photos of yourself on Facebook
5. Seeing a friend who is in great shape
6. A friend losing lots of weight/being really healthy
7. Something a partner says
8. Something a friend says
9. Skinnier friends complaining they feel fat
10. Someone buys you clothes that are too small
