Health crunch threatens Brits, insurer warns

02/09/2008

Britons are facing a dangerous "health crunch", as their money worries impact on their general wellbeing.

According to PruHealth, an insurer, 10.6 million householders are under threat from the trend, which sees people cutting back on their healthy lifestyles as they reduce their costs.

Just over one in five people polled by the firm said that they were following unhealthy diets to reduce costs - while 15 per cent said that they had given up their exercise classes due to the economic downturn.

In fact, a total of 60 per cent agreed with the statement that the "extra cost" of living healthily is "unaffordable" at the present moment.

Katie Roswell, marketing director of PruHealth, advised: "Our research shows that people's buying habits are clearly beginning to change as food costs rise and inflation increases. The worry is that the progression from credit to health crunch may worsen as people reduce outgoings by buying less fruit and vegetables, and continue to believe that all exercise is expensive."

Kevin Still, EuroDebt director, commented: "If over 40 per cent of households have concerns about their general well being then this is likely to impact their performance at work and at home, which can have longer-term detrimental effects not only on the household, but employers, friends and family.

"False economies seldom help if there is an underlying need to recast the whole household budget and re-assess core priorities, which must include the health and well being of all members of the household."

Tags; Housing Debt and Bills,

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