Half of overweight Britons have canceled plans because they feared they would not fit into seats or be comfortable in public spaces, according to a study by online healthcare provider Numan. The research suggests millions of UK adults are avoiding significant events, including weddings and flights, due to anxieties about their body size and comfort.

Approximately two-thirds of UK adults are classified as overweight or obese, with a body mass index (BMI) above 25 or 30, respectively. Numan's findings indicate that the nation's obesity epidemic is contributing to widespread 'seat anxiety.'

The survey, named the Seat Anxiety Index, polled 3,000 British adults. It found that 34% of overweight or obese participants dread occupying the middle seat on an airplane. Furthermore, over 20% expressed dislike for plastic chairs commonly found at public events, while nearly 20% reported discomfort using bar stools or window and aisle airplane seats.

The middle seat on a plane is generally considered the least comfortable due to limited space. In contrast, aisle seats offer extra legroom, and window seats provide a place to lean.

One in three respondents also reported canceling or altering plans due to concerns about their size and confidence in public settings. This included avoiding physical activities like going to the gym or playing sports, as well as major social gatherings. Nearly a quarter of respondents stated they had avoided weddings, parties, or restaurants specifically because of seating and comfort concerns.

A concerning 17% of participants also reported delaying or avoiding visits to their general practitioner (GP) due to anxiety about their size.

Obesity has been identified by the UK government as a critical challenge facing the health system, with an estimated annual cost to the economy of £74 billion, including £11 billion for the National Health Service (NHS).

The study also revealed that one-third of respondents have paid, or considered paying, for upgrades such as additional legroom or space during travel, averaging £154 per person. Numan has termed this a 'comfort tax,' estimating its potential cost to be around £1.4 billion if applied proportionally to the UK population.

Almost a third of respondents expressed a desire to book travel without worrying about comfort, and one in five wished they could dine out without concern about fitting into a seat.

Zoe Griffiths, vice president of behavioral medicine and a registered dietitian at Numan, commented on the findings, noting that what people feel they have lost are seemingly small moments, such as booking a flight, choosing a restaurant, or attending a friend's wedding. "For millions of people, those moments have become something to dread, and over time their world gets smaller because of it," Griffiths said. "That's what seat anxiety does."

Twenty percent of respondents indicated they first experienced 'seat anxiety' between the ages of 18 and 24. Women were generally more likely than men to feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Meggy Goldberger, 28, from Cardiff, shared her past experiences of dreading flights due to needing a seatbelt extender, which led her to avoid long-haul travel. After addressing her weight, her confidence improved, and she recently traveled without needing an extender, now looking forward to future trips.

Recent advancements in weight-loss treatments, such as injectable medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy, and now available in pill form, have provided more options for individuals managing obesity. Approximately 2.5 million adults in the UK are thought to be using weight-loss injections.

Griffiths added that while clinical tools for weight management are improving, including the availability of oral treatments, medication is only one part of the solution. She emphasized that the confidence to feel comfortable in public spaces and overcome anxieties related to seating is not solely a result of prescriptions or weight loss, but requires comprehensive support over time, which Numan's program aims to provide.