2026-02-18 15:14:15

Brits do not start properly worrying about their health until they hit 38, a new study has revealed.

The poll of 2,000 middle-aged adults aged 40 to 65 found that creeping weight gain (27 per cent), feeling generally unfit (24 per cent) and hitting a milestone birthday (22 per cent) are the biggest wake-up calls that spark a health overhaul.

Other triggers include a family history of illness (20 per cent), receiving an actual diagnosis (20 per cent) and the death of a loved one (17 per cent).

But despite that turning point, confusion still reigns. More than three quarters (76 per cent) admitted they are not sure which symptoms are worth checking out, while 54 per cent confessed they initially ignored warning signs.

The research, commissioned by private diagnostics provider Vista Health as part of its Signs of Clarity campaign, also found that 65 per cent turn to Google to check symptoms instead of seeking professional advice.

Dr Reem Hasan, National Health Service (NHS) GP and Chief Medical Officer at Vista Health, said: “Many of the symptoms’ people experience in midlife are easy to dismiss or explain away, and our research shows just how common that is.

“While midlife marks a pivotal moment when people begin to take their health more seriously, too many still struggle to recognise which symptoms truly need attention.

“While not every symptom is a sign of something serious, our bodies are very good at sending early warning signals. The problem is, we have become very good at ignoring them.”

Two thirds (65 per cent) even admitted they are more likely to pay attention to road signs than to unusual signals from their own bodies.

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