Brits blame lack of motivation for unhealthy habits
57% of British women aged under 25 (49% when men and women are combined) admit a lack of motivation is the reason they don’t cultivate healthy lifestyle habits, according to research by analyst Mintel.
However, 55% of under-25s said “wanting to improve their appearance” would encourage them to make healthier choices, and 40% said they’d be more likely to focus on their health to “improve their state of mind”.
“Relatively short-term and tangible benefits to healthier habits are particularly compelling motivations for the younger generation. These include being able to see positive physical results and the feelgood factor linked to making healthy choices,” said Emma Clifford, associate director of food and drink at Mintel.
For older generations, just 21% agreed that a lack of motivation was a barrier to efforts towards good health, with 51% of over 65s saying they already do as much as they can to lead a healthy life.
Despite the widespread struggle for young Brits to get motivated to improve their health, 60% of Brits overall said they supported taxes on unhealthy food and drink products.
62% of workers wanted their employer to encourage and incentivise healthy habits through workplace wellness.
“The generational difference highlighted in our research reflects the health implications of lifestyle choices are holding far more relevancy and immediacy for older consumers,” said Clifford.
“Meanwhile, many health issues linked to unhealthy habits are a distant and ambiguous prospect for young adults – despite the potential threat to their future wellbeing – and so reducing the incentive to minimise these risks in their day-to-day lives.
“Keeping as healthy as possible is more of a pressing concern for older consumers than their younger counterparts, with fewer distractions in their path – especially for retirees.”
