Brits aged between 45 and 54 are most likely to suffer from depression

The study, that looked at more than 2,000 people from around the world, found that Brits aged between 45 and 54 are most likely to be obese, most likely to smoke and most likely to suffer from depression than their peers around the world.

The study found that no other country in the survey, which included Europe, America, the Middle East and Asia, showed such a consistent range of unhealthy results for this age group.

Dr Sneh Khemka, medical director at Bupa International, said, ‘The Bupa Health Pulse survey makes alarming reading for a generation of Britons. The research reveals not only that Britain’s middle-aged are suffering from a health crisis, but also that the problem is particularly apparent in Britain.’

He added, ‘People hitting 45 often find the unhealthy excesses of their youth are catching up with them just at the time when their financial and personal responsibilities are growing and they are increasingly time poor. These combined elements mean that, for this age group, health can fall down their list of priorities.’

If you feel that you can relate to the findings above, Bupa recommends:

Be more self-aware
Britons need to face the reality of their poor health. In the UK, where we have an obesity problem, more people are overweight than think they are. In Asian countries, including Thailand, China and Hong Kong where they predominately have a healthy BMI, more people think they’re overweight than those who actually are.

Reprioritise
Britons need to achieve a better work/life balance and to appreciate that emotional health is intrinsically linked to good health. Latin American countries are the most upbeat and positive about life, their health and the future. In the UK, we could learn from Mexico and Brazil where they have stronger emphasis on social life, and prioritise family and friends.

Challenge the status quo
Britons should challenge their social norms. In India where people’s social lives predominately revolve around family activities, very few people drink alcohol. In the UK, where more people drink than in any other country, people’s social lives often revolve around the local pub. We have room to be more inventive with what we do socially, and come up with healthier alternatives.

Look East for nutritional inspiration
Britons could do with taking a good look at their diet and take inspiration from other countries. In Asia, where rates of obesity are much lower than in the UK, they have much less salt, saturated fat and sugar in their diets than in Western countries. They also eat more vegetables and fruit. It is often easier than it seems to experiment with your diet.

By Lauren King