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Modern life takes toll on middle-aged Englanders: report

Xinhua, December 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

Eight out of 10 middle-aged people in England weigh too much, drink too much or don't exercise enough, an analysis from Public Health England (PHE) revealed Wednesday.

The report showed modern life taking its toll on health.

PHE has launched a campaign to reach out to the 83 percent of 40 to 60 year olds (87 percent of men and 79 percent of women) who are either overweight or obese, exceed alcohol guidelines or are physically inactive.

The aim of the campaign is to provide free support to help them live more healthily in 2017 and beyond.

"Modern life is harming the health of the nation with 77 percent of men and 63 percent of women in middle age, overweight or obese. Obesity in adults has shot up 16 percent in the last 20 years. Many also can't identify what a 'healthy' body looks like, suggesting obesity has become the new normal," said a spokesman for PHE in London.

The diabetes rate among this age group also doubled in this period in England.

People are being urged to consider the simple steps they can take to improve their health in the run up to the New Year, by taking an online quiz. People need to eat better, be more active, stop smoking and consider their drinking.

Professor Kevin Fenton, director of health and wellbeing at PHE, said: "People are busy with work, with families, with the daily grind and sometimes their own health is the least of their priorities. The How Are You Quiz will help anyone who wants to take a few minutes to take stock and find out quickly where they can take a little action to make a big difference to their health.

Professor Sir Muir Gray, clinical adviser for the One You campaign, said: "The demands of modern day living are taking their toll on the health of the nation, and it's those in middle age that are suffering the consequences most, as their health reaches worrying new levels.

"Over 15 million Britons are living with a long term health condition, and busy lives and desk jobs make it difficult to live healthily. But just making a few small changes will have significant benefits to people's health now and in later life." Endit