Research reveals that Britons are generally healthier than Americans but tend to perceive their health more negatively. The study, involving nearly 10,000 British individuals and over 5,000 Americans in their 30s and 40s, was conducted by academics from the UCL Centre for Longitudinal Studies, University of Oxford, Syracuse University, and University of North Carolina.
The findings indicate that American adults have higher incidences of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, with 40% being obese compared to 34.5% of Britons. However, 18% of British adults rated their health as poor, compared to 12% of Americans. Additionally, 28% of Britons reported smoking daily, higher than the 21% in the US.
Researchers highlighted the importance of the NHS in maintaining public health in Britain. Dr Charis Bridger Staatz from UCL suggested that differences in exercise, diet, poverty levels, and healthcare access might explain the health disparities between the two nations.
A study suggests British adults in their 30s and 40s are healthier than their counterparts in the US.
But it also found that Brits are more likely than Americans to think their health is poor. pic.twitter.com/90yMO1v8ax
— Radio News Hub (@radionewshub) October 3, 2024
Professor George Ploubidis of UCL cautioned that despite the relatively better health of Britons, high obesity and blood pressure rates remain concerning. He emphasised that the government’s plans to reduce NHS waiting times will face challenges if poor health trends continue.
The research also pointed out wider health disparities in the US, with significant differences between the wealthiest and poorest. Dr Bridger Staatz noted that addressing health inequalities in Britain could yield significant benefits.
“Public health policies in both Britain and the US typically focus on childhood or older age. However, midlife interventions offer a crucial opportunity to promote healthier ageing,” she stated.
The study’s release coincides with Lord Darzi’s report on the NHS and the new prime minister’s commitment to a 10-year reform programme for the health service. Long-term planning and investment in the NHS are seen as vital for improving health disparities and preventing inequalities akin to those seen in the US. This approach aims to enhance overall population health and create a more content and prosperous society.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Business Insider reports middle-aged Brits have better mental and physical health than American counterparts, despite income disparities, highlighting Britain’s superior healthcare across all income brackets.(read more)
- Gaydio reports that Brits are healthier than Americans, despite perceiving their health as poor, highlighting differences in lifestyle, poverty, and healthcare access.(read more)
- The Independent. British adults are healthier than Americans in midlife but more likely to doubt their health, with obesity and smoking rates differing between the two nations, highlighting healthcare access disparities.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Are Britons healthier than Americans?
Yes, Britons generally have better health metrics than Americans, such as lower obesity, cholesterol, and blood pressure rates.
Why do more Britons think their health is poor compared to Americans?
18% of Britons report poor health versus 12% of Americans, despite better health metrics, possibly due to perception and awareness.
How does smoking prevalence compare between the UK and the US?
28% of Britons smoke daily compared to 21% of Americans.
What might happen to UK health without the NHS?
Without the NHS, UK health could deteriorate, resembling the US’s higher health inequalities and poorer health outcomes.
What factors contribute to health differences between the UK and US?
Differences may be due to exercise levels, diets, poverty, and access to free healthcare.
