Self diagnostics: Brits are doin' it for themselves

Government health warnings, an overstretched NHS and rising obesity levels have seen the British nation take their health into their own hands. As a result, sales of self diagnostics such as blood pressure, blood glucose and body fat measuring kits, have increased by almost 30% in the last 5 years alone, to reach £99 million this year, according to a new report by MINTEL. ” as a nation we are constantly bombarded with health warnings and are becoming ever more aware of the growing obesity problem. This, combined with the fact that people are finding it increasingly difficult to get a doctor’s appointment, means many are choosing to go it alone when it comes to their health,” comments Alexandra Richmond, senior consumer analyst at MINTEL.