Almost a third of respondents classified as obese claimed to be in very good or excellent health, despite a quarter (26%) seeking treatment for high blood pressure and 17% for a mental health condition in the last year.

Diet and exercise levels were also singled out for concern across the adult population generally, with a quarter confessing they do not have a single portion of fruit or vegetable each day.

Meanwhile, one in six (17%) considered household chores to be an adequate workout.              

The statistics prompted a stark warning from Aviva UK Health’s medical director, Dr Doug Wright, who said: “Many people are failing to grasp the real importance of taking control of their current and future health, by making changes to their diet and taking more exercise.

“By reducing the number of people in the UK who are overweight or obese, we can help stem the rise in weight-related illness and improve the overall happiness and wellbeing of our nation,” he added.

https://www.healthinsurancedaily.com/health-insurance/product-area/pmi/article440781.ece