A growing health divide is leaving people “running on empty”, with many delaying action until problems become unavoidable as access to care continues to lag behind.
New research suggests residents in the South West are struggling more than most to access healthcare, contributing to a cycle of reacting to illness rather than preventing it.
The study, carried out by Ipsos and commissioned by Holland & Barrett among 5,000 adults, found that while 74% of people across Britain believe building good health habits early can prevent illness, many still only seek help when it becomes necessary.
This “fix it when it breaks” approach is most entrenched in the North East, where 81% said they only visit a doctor when “absolutely necessary”, compared with 71% in London.
Researchers found the issue is not simply motivation but fatigue. Four in ten adults (41%) reported experiencing low energy in the past year, rising to 50% among those aged 35 to 44. The report suggests this lack of energy is preventing people from taking proactive steps to improve their health.
Access to services also varies significantly depending on location. While 56% of Londoners said they find it easy to access healthcare, this falls to 41% in the South West.
The findings indicate that where access is more difficult, people are more likely to adopt reactive behaviours. More than half (58%) said they only listen to their body when something “feels off”, while 43% said they become proactive about their health only when something goes wrong.
Preventative action among younger adults also remains low, with just 30% having undergone a health screening before the age of 35.
In response, Holland & Barrett has launched what it calls the “Back Your Body Commitment”, aimed at encouraging earlier action on health. The initiative includes 300,000 free wellness check-ins each month across its stores.
The service is targeted particularly at under-40s, who are not eligible for the NHS 40+ Health Check, and will offer personalised advice from trained staff.
Dr Carrie Ruxton, a dietician involved in the report, said: “The UK is living longer but not always living well, with a growing burden of preventable disease and health outcomes that lag behind comparable nations.
“This situation is detrimental for individuals, the workforce, and the NHS. Proactive health habits formed in early adulthood can shape long-term health outcomes and positively impact the future burden of chronic disease.
“However, without accessible, trusted and practical support, many people remain stuck in a cycle of reactive repair.”
Anthony Houghton, group chief executive at Holland & Barrett, said: “We recognise the UK faces a growing health paradox, but Britain is not lacking motivation – it is lacking momentum.
“The risk is becoming a nation that waits until something goes wrong. To make prevention work, support must be embedded in places people already go, before they become patients.
“This means recognising the role of trusted, community-based support alongside formal healthcare.”
Olympic silver medallist Katarina Johnson-Thompson is supporting the campaign.
She said: “Throughout my career, I have learned many lessons along the way, one of the most important being that if I look after my body now, it will stay well for longer.
“I am a firm believer in prehab over rehab, but the overload of health and wellness information can be overwhelming.
“H&B’s new Wellness Check-Ins are a great place to start with advice you can trust.”
Free wellness check-ins can be booked in-store or via www.hollandandbarrett.com/info/our-services/
