Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 1 hr ago
Gen X values health most, but reports worse health than baby boomers
A University College London study of about 8,000 people examined adults born in England, Scotland and Wales in 1970, now in their early 50s.
Asked between 2021 and 2024 what mattered most, participants ranked health first, giving it an average score of 9.3 out of 10.
Yet 26% rated their health fair or poor, and around a third said they had obesity.
At the same age, baby boomers were more likely to report very good or excellent health and less likely to have obesity or diabetes.
Health outcomes differed sharply by income: 59% of the highest-income participants reported very good or excellent health, compared with 24% of those on the lowest incomes.
More than a quarter of Gen X women reported psychological distress, compared with 15% of men, and researchers say health support needs to reach those most at risk.
Health was rated the most important aspect of life by Generation X participants, scoring an average of 9.3 out of 10.
Despite this, 26 per cent described their health as fair or poor, and about a third reported living with obesity.
Almost one in ten said they had been diagnosed with diabetes.
At the same age, baby boomers were more likely to report excellent or very good health and less likely to be obese or have diabetes.
The study also found health differences by income and gender among Generation X participants.
- Who
- Generation X adults in the 1970 British Cohort Study, analysed by University College London researchers.
- What
- The study found that participants valued health most, but many reported health difficulties. They were in worse health in their early 50s than baby boomers had been at the same age.
- When
- Participants rated aspects of life between 2021 and 2024; the article was published on 11 November 2026.
- Where
- England, Scotland and Wales.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Participants were asked to rate the importance of different aspects of life.
The Daily Mail published its report on the study’s findings.
- Health importance
- Average score of 9.3 out of 10
- Fair or poor health
- 26 per cent of Generation X participants
- Diabetes
- Almost one in ten reported a diagnosis
- High-income health
- 59 per cent reported excellent or very good health, compared with 24 per cent in the lowest-income group
- Study population
- About 8,000 people born in England, Scotland and Wales
What people are saying
While they value their health, a large proportion report physical and mental health difficulties, suggesting that some may be struggling with the aspect of life most important to them.
The findings also show that more members of Gen X are in worse health in their early 50s than their baby boomer peers.