Only one in six of England’s middle-aged people are leading a healthy lifestyle, according to Public Health England.
The organisation launched a campaign yesterday aimed at 83% of those aged between 40 and 60.
It said these people are either overweight or drink too much alcohol or are physically inactive.
This includes 87% of men and 79% of women, Public Health England said. Of these some 77% of men and 63% of women are overweight or obese.
Its campaign seeks to encourage people to take a quiz called "How Are You". The quiz seeks to challenge complacency about fitness and eating and drinking habits.
It says that already more than a million people have taken the quiz – about 6% of the target population.
The campaign’s clinical adviser, Professor Sir Muir Gray said: "The demands of modern day living are taking their toll on the health of the nation, and it’s those in middle age that are suffering the consequences most, as their health reaches worrying new levels.
"Over 15 million Britons are living with a long term health condition, and busy lives and desk jobs make it difficult to live healthily. But just making a few small changes will have significant benefits to people’s health now and in later life."
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