Weight loss: How the way you shop could be DAMAGING your health – and how to fix it

Weight loss can be done in small steps, from a few brisk walks to some healthy additions to a diet.

Even a walk to the shops can help get people more active if they’re used to a more sedentary life.

However, as more and more people choose to shop online, this could be creating an epidemic of less active people.

It could cause serious health risks later on in life as well as weaken muscles in the short-term.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) estimates that nearly 75 per cent of people buy their products online instead of going to the shops which could be affecting peoples physical health without them realising.

According to the BBC, the Charters Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) have explained that this is stopping people from carrying their food shopping or clothes shopping.

This then means that they are doing fewer strength exercises, putting bodies at risk of damage in partially older people.

Prof Karen Middleton, chief executive of CSP commented: “We’re carrying fewer bags home from the supermarket because it arrives at our door.

“We’re also waiting at home for other goods to be delivered when in the past we would have gone out to buy them.”

Whilst the study focused on those aged 65 years and over, clinical director and physiotherapist at Surrey Physio Tim Allardyce explained how it is important for every age group.

He told NetDoctor: “Being strong is crucial to fitness and health. “Strength training has many benefits to the body, including weight loss, increasing bone density, muscle toning, reducing musculo-skeletal pain, and being fit and healthy.

“In addition, it improves your ability to do everyday tasks like lifting, reaching for things, DIY, or cleaning.”

Those who find themselves being inactive can do some simple strength exercises instead.

The NHS suggests doing two strengthing exercises a week which can be anything from gardening to yoga, as long as it builds some muscle.

Another recent study has found the benefit of headphones when it comes to doing exercise.

Not only do people work harder to the music but also by stopping any distractions.