Survey shows UK’s health ‘in decline’ as third of middle-aged adults suffer multiple chronic health conditions

A survey conducted by University College London (UCL) shows that around 34 per cent of people aged between 46 and 48 have two or more long-term health conditions, of which at least one relates to their physical health, with those from poorer backgrounds most at risk.

Issues include high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, chronic back problems, mental ill-health and heavy drinking.

The study found that those who grew up in poorer families were 43 per cent more likely to have multiple long-term health problems in their late 40s than those who were from wealthier families.

UCL’s Dr Dawid Gondek, lead author, said “This study provides concerning new evidence about the state of the nation’s health in midlife.

“It shows that a substantial proportion of the population are already suffering from multiple long-term physical and mental health problems in their late 40s, and also points to stark health inequalities which appear to begin early in childhood.”

Professor George Ploudibis, also from UCL, said “We found that adults from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, those who had been overweight or obese as children and those who had experienced mental ill-health as teenagers were all at increased risk of poor health later on.

“If these links reflect causal effects, policy and practice targeting these core areas in childhood and adolescence may improve the health of future generations and alleviate potential pressures on the NHS.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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