Britons spending fewer years free of illness as figures show decade-long health decline

Solen Le Net
Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:46:26 +0000

Britain's health has deteriorated significantly over the past decade, with the average person now enjoying more than two fewer years free from illness or disability, according to new research.

The Health Foundation's analysis of 21 wealthy nations reveals the UK has tumbled from 14th to 20th place in international rankings for healthy life expectancy, leaving only the United States behind.

While comparable countries such as Japan, Norway and Spain have seen steady improvements, the UK stands among just five nations where this crucial health measure has actually declined.

The thinktank's findings suggest the population is becoming progressively less healthy, even as other developed economies continue to make gains.

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The figures reveal a stark deterioration for both sexes. Men's healthy life expectancy has dropped from 62.9 years during 2012-14 to just 60.7 years in 2022-24, while women have seen a fall from 63.7 to 60.9 years across the same period.

Office for National Statistics analysis shows the proportion of life spent in good health has consequently shrunk. For men, this has declined from 79 per cent to 77 per cent, with women experiencing an even sharper reduction from 77 per cent to 73 per cent.

Perhaps most concerning is the study's revelation that across more than 90 per cent of the country, residents now begin experiencing illness before reaching the state pension age of 66.

The think-tank identifies obesity as a primary culprit, with Britain now holding the unwelcome distinction of being Western Europe's most overweight nation. This has fuelled rising rates of diabetes, heart disease, stroke and cancer.

Deaths linked to alcohol, drugs and suicide have also contributed substantially to the loss of illness-free years, alongside deteriorating self-reported health and widening disparities between affluent and disadvantaged communities.

"These findings reveal a stark truth: the UK's health is going backwards," said Dr Jennifer Dixon, the Health Foundation's chief executive. "The lights on the dashboard are flashing red."

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She added mental ill health has reached unprecedented levels, with more people than ever living with long-term conditions.

Crucially, neither Covid nor overall life expectancy, which remains stable, accounts for the decline.

The research exposes profound geographical disparities in health outcomes. In prosperous Richmond upon Thames, men can expect 69.3 years and women 70.3 years of good health. By contrast, men in Blackpool average merely 50.9 years, whilst women in Hartlepool fare little better at 51.2 years.

The Department of Health and Social Care described the nation's declining health as "a disgrace", pointing to forthcoming measures, including the tobacco and vapes bill receiving royal assent this week and restrictions on junk food advertising before 9pm.

A spokesman stated: "We know there is much more to do, but by building an NHS fit for the future, we will help people live well for longer, whatever their background."

Dr Dixon urged ministers to compel food manufacturers to improve their products and introduce minimum alcohol pricing in England.