The lifestyle choices of unhealthy Brits are costing the NHS, employers and themselves a whopping £17.7 billion each year, according to research from Bupa.

The healthcare group warns that the figure could soar to almost £33 billion a year by 2025 if current health trends continue.

Its conclusions are based on the calculated immediate and long-term savings that would be made if obesity rates stopped rising, excessive drinkers dropped their intake to recommended levels, and if the 26 per cent of smokers who attempt to kick the habit each year were successful.

The study found that healthier lifestyle choices such as giving up smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and becoming more active have an immediate impact on people's wallets.

Bupa estimates that cutting down on smoking and drinking would save people £5 billion and £3.9 billion respectively, while £7.4 billion would be saved in additional earning potential due to increased life expectancy.

Individuals could also save £1.7 billion through increased employment and £3.9 billion through increased earning potential due to a fall in obesity levels.

The knock-on effect would be savings of billions to employers and the NHS, the healthcare group says.

Dr Johann Carinus, assistant medical director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, said: "This study not only reveals the true cost to the nation of unhealthy lifestyle choices but it also highlights the considerable savings to the public purse which could be achieved through individual commitments to health improvement.

"Data released earlier this year from the Bupa 'Health Age' report showed
that almost 70 per cent of people in the UK wanted to make a positive change
to improve their health in 2011.

"While ultimately it's up to individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices, there is a huge opportunity for healthcare providers and employers to play their part in empowering individuals to live more healthily. The benefits for everyone are clear."

To coincide with the new findings, Bupa is launching the Bupa Health Pledge campaign, calling on the public to make a pledge to achieve their health goals, whether it's to quit smoking, cut down on alcohol, eat more healthily or do more exercise.

Bupa is committing to donate £1 to the British Heart Foundation for everyone who signs up to a pledge.


On the web: www.bupa.co.uk