A recent survey of 500 Victorians following the latest COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and festive season has revealed half gained weight in 2021 and 28 per cent drank more alcohol after lockdown restrictions eased.
The febfast survey conducted by the Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) in January 2022 has revealed that while a third of survey takers reported binge drinking and unhealthy eating during Victoria’s extended lockdowns in 2021, they boozed and ate sugary and fatty foods even more after the latest pandemic lockdowns ended.
About 60 per cent of survey takers said they’d gained weight, with a majority (79 per cent) expressing their desire to cut sugar out of their diet in 2022.
More than half of young Victorians (18-34) surveyed also did something they regretted or drank to the point of blackout as a result of extended and heightened binge drinking behaviour.
Chief executive of YSAS, Andrew Bruun, said those wanting to make a change can take part in Febfast, a fundraising opportunity for people to give up alcohol, sugar or another vice of your choice for the month of February.
“Febfast gives every Australian the chance to put a pause on sugar or alcohol to save money, improve their own health and support a worthy cause”.
“For almost two years, the pandemic has disrupted the development of Victoria’s young people and affected all Victorians profoundly. These disruptions in our everyday lives pushed many to binge drinking and eating our way through the pandemic.”
“This survey puts our unhealthy choices in the spotlight, but also makes it clear just how many Victorians want to put their alcohol and sugar binge behind them.
“The good news is that with the right blend of opportunity and resources everyone can become more resilient and start a new healthier path.
“The best thing about febfast is the opportunity and time to take stock of the habits and behaviours you’d like to change, and kick-start the year right.”
Funds raised from Febfast go towards assisting severely disadvantaged young people in Victoria and South Australia to recover from serious drug, alcohol and mental health problems, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Individuals can sign up and ask friends and family to sponsor their journey to take on healthier habits for a month and businesses can sign up their teams to take the challenge together.
Details: www.febfast.org.au/
