Eight in 10 Brits want next Government to prioritise prevention rather than weight-loss drugs to tackle health crisis

Eight in 10 (85%) Brits want to see the next Government invest more in preventing obesity and health conditions rather than treating them with weight-loss drugs, according to a survey by ukactive.

As the General Election reaches its conclusion, polling from Savanta commissioned by ukactive, reveals the nation’s priorities when it comes to health, physical activity and wellbeing.

The findings reveal a clear demand from the public to prioritise preventative health solutions that benefit the nation physically and mentally – and an appreciation of the need to reduce pressure on hospitals and the NHS.

Asked which is a greater priority, rather than opting for the Government investing more in weight-loss drugs, 85% of respondents chose lifestyle support, for example, for the long-term prevention of obesity and related health conditions. Long-term prevention was particularly popular among those aged 55 and over, with 93% preferring this as the priority.

According to figures from Sport England’s latest Active Lives survey, a quarter of adults in the UK are classed as physically inactive, meaning they average less than 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity a week. Guidelines from the Chief Medical Officer recommend at least 150 minutes (about 2 and a half hours) a week.

While the weight-loss drug semaglutide has been viewed by some as the answer to growing levels of obesity, health professionals have raised concerns about the risks of it being used unnecessarily, citing “life-threatening complications” for those misusing the drug. Reported side effects range from nausea, stomach aches and vomiting to kidney failure. The NHS has already called for an overhaul of how the drug is being prescribed.

Physical activity can help to prevent more than 20 chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, many types of cancer, musculoskeletal conditions, depression, anxiety, and dementia – generating more than £5.2 billion in healthcare savings a year.

Further solutions for the NHS emerged with sixty-one per cent of survey respondents saying that if their doctor gave them the choice, they would prefer to receive treatment or support for a health condition or injury in a gym, leisure centre or pool over a hospital (39%). Receiving treatment in these community settings would help to meet the demands on health services.

The NHS is experiencing extreme pressures, with waiting lists reaching 7.57 million. Fitness and leisure facilities are already running successful programmes and pilots for many health conditions, including cancer rehabilitation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back pain, but there is huge potential to scale them nationally with government support.

Fitness and leisure facilities are already running successful programmes and pilots for many health conditions, including cancer rehabilitation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as back pain, but there is huge potential to scale them nationally with government support.

The survey also found that 62% of respondents think the main political parties are not doing enough to support and treat the mental health crisis across the UK.

One in four people experience a diagnosable mental illness each year, according to the Mental Health Foundation. And a report by the Resolution Foundation found one in 20 young people are ‘economically inactive’ due to ill-health, with mental health issues recognised as a leading cause.

Physical activity is shown to support mental health, improve sleep, build social connections and boost productivity, meaning it has an essential role in improving overall health and the economy.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, said: “This survey shows that the answer to our nation’s physical and mental health crisis lies not in a pill but in supporting people to lead healthier, happier, more active lives.

“There can be no growth without health, so it is vital the next Government works with our sector on sustainable solutions that support people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.

“As the nation heads to the polls, the UK has a unique opportunity to challenge its historic short-term response to health and instead build preventative plans that utilises all levers at its disposal.

“We must make physical activity part of the strategy and deploy our nation’s gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres to help reduce health inequalities, support the NHS, improve mental health and boost the economy.