Weighing scale sales up as locked down slimmers monitor health at home

Marsden has seen a 17-fold increase in digital thermometer sales after lockdown started on March 23. Baby weighing scale sales are up 11-fold and veterinary scale sales are up six-fold. Meanwhile adult scales used by GPs are up 66 per cent, as gym goers and slimming group members monitor their weight at home.

And although panic buying is slowing, the demand for food has boosted demand for scales from food factories, according to Dave Smith, Marsden marketing director.

He said: “Since the second week of March there has been a clear uptick in sales.

“With the government's official advice now being to stay at home and avoid trips to your GP or the doctor, it's important that you begin to monitor your health and your family's health at home. But most people don't have the means to do this.

“Our Home Health range, therefore, is more relevant than ever. This is especially important for those with pre-existing health conditions.”

Due to the increase in orders, the firm is running low on stocks of some items. But despite most of the workforce working from home, orders are still being taken and most will arrive next-day when ordered before 1pm, Mr Smith added. All sales are via the company's website.

Marsden was founded in 1926. The firm says more than 100,000 Marsden scales are used by the NHS and in hospitals across the EU and beyond.

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