Public Backs Gym-Based Health Treatments Over Hospital Care, Poll Shows

Krissy Vann | Host, All Things Fitness and Wellness

A recent national health poll conducted by ukactive reveals that a significant majority of UK adults prefer the next Government to focus on long-term prevention of obesity and other health conditions rather than investing in weight-loss drugs. The survey, which included 2,732 respondents, found that 85% of adults favor lifestyle support for the prevention of obesity and related health issues.

As the General Election approaches, the poll, commissioned by ukactive and conducted by Savanta, highlights the public's desire for a shift in health policy. The findings indicate a strong demand for preventative health solutions that can alleviate pressure on hospitals and the NHS. Notably, 93% of respondents aged 55 and over support prioritizing long-term prevention over weight-loss drugs.

Sport England's latest Active Lives survey shows that a quarter of UK adults are physically inactive, averaging less than 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity per week. The Chief Medical Officer recommends at least 150 minutes per week. While the weight-loss drug semaglutide has been proposed as a solution to rising obesity levels, health professionals have raised concerns about its potential misuse and associated risks.

Physical activity is recognized for its ability to prevent over 20 chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression, potentially saving more than £5.2 billion in healthcare costs annually. The survey also found that 61% of respondents would prefer to receive treatment for injuries or health conditions in gyms, pools, or leisure centers rather than hospitals. This preference for community-based treatment could help reduce the strain on the NHS, which currently has waiting lists of 7.57 million.

Huw Edwards, CEO of ukactive, emphasized the importance of supporting physical activity to address the nation's health challenges. “This survey shows that the answer to our nation’s physical and mental health crisis lies not in a pill but in supporting people to lead healthier, happier, more active lives," Edwards stated. He called for the next Government to collaborate with the physical activity sector to create sustainable health solutions and utilize gyms, pools, and leisure centers to reduce health inequalities and support the NHS.

The survey also revealed that 62% of respondents believe the main political parties are not doing enough to address the mental health crisis in the UK. With one in four people experiencing a diagnosable mental illness each year, and a significant number of young people being economically inactive due to ill-health, the role of physical activity in supporting mental health and productivity is increasingly critical.

Edwards concluded by urging for a strategic approach to health that incorporates physical activity as a key component. “We must make physical activity part of the strategy and deploy our nation’s gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres to help reduce health inequalities, support the NHS, improve mental health and boost the economy,” he said.

The survey underscores the public's preference for preventative health measures and highlights the potential benefits of integrating physical activity into the nation's health strategy.

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