PRESS RELEASE: Engage Mutual
Written: Thursday 4th March, 2010
BODY OF EVIDENCE
The average Brit will spend #167,993 to stay healthy over their lifetime, it was revealed yesterday (Wed).
A study of 3,000 people showed people fork out #2,776.75 a year on looking after ourselves on a daily basis and maintaining a healthy diet.
But despite spending #1,000s in a bid to keep fit and well, more than eight out of ten of us reckon they could do with being healthier.
The poll of 3,000 Brits, conducted by health cash plan provider Engage Mutual Assurance, also revealed the average adult spends an average of #1,118.00 on vegetables and #1,099.00 on fruit every year..
This gives a combined spend of #134,128.50 over the average adult lifetime of 60.5 years.
Karl Elliott, Marketing Director at Engage Mutual said: ''We rarely add up the costs of keeping ourselves healthy, and #168,000 over the course of a lifetime is no insignificant amount.
''But if we think being healthy is expensive, the alternative can prove even more costly.
''Budgeting to help meet regular and unexpected health costs is one way of making sure that even when money is tight, our general health isn't sacrificed.''
In addition to healthy eating, the average person spends around #65.89 a year on gym memberships or sport club memberships, and home exercise equipment such as rowing machines and exercise bikes account for a further annual spend of #22.43.
And another #29.31 is put towards dietary supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
Health services such as dental care, eye care and complementary therapies also bump up the cost of staying healthy.
The average spend is #63.70 on dental care every year, #68 at the opticians, and #24.26 on complementary therapies from physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors.
Private healthcare, including health cash plans and private medical insurance, accounts for an annual average spend of #252.
Medicines such as paracetamol and cold and flu treatments also add to the bill, with Brits spending #34.16 a year fighting ailments and illness.
The survey also revealed seven out of ten people are worried about maintaining good health and 57 per cent are concerned about the costs.
But despite splashing out on their health, 53 per cent admit they can't resist eating junk food on a regular basis.
Drinking too much alcohol is the second biggest vice for 46 per cent, while 43 per cent acknowledge they don't exercise enough.
Over-eating and smoking are also causes of concern for more than one in five people.
Karl Elliott added: ''Raising awareness of how best to ensure a healthy life is a long term exercise.
''But money spent on helping to stay healthy should be seen as an investment, rather than just a cost.''
Research conducted by global market research company www.onepoll.com
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