Are public seats making people avoid everyday life?

Millions of overweight or obese adults are changing, cancelling or avoiding everyday activities because they are worried about whether they will fit comfortably into public seating.

New research shows that half of UK adults with a BMI of 25 or above have altered or cancelled plans because of how their size might affect their confidence in a public space, with some avoiding gyms (41%), weddings and parties (24%), restaurants (22%), work events (16%) and even GP appointments (17%).

The findings come from Britain’s first Seat Anxiety Index, published by digital health provider Numan, which looks at the impact of public seating on people’s confidence, social lives and spending.

Aston spoke to Dietitian Zoe Griffiths.