Gyms, supplements and prescriptions cost average Briton £65k in a lifetime, poll claims

Londoners allegedly worry more about their wellbeing than northerners

Pictured: kale salad with sweet potatoes. The study alleges women are drawn to healthy food, while men more likely to spend their money on vitamins, protein powders and exercise supplements. ((Carl Tremblay/America's Test Kitchen via AP))

Gym memberships, vitamins and supplements, prescriptions, exercise classes and healthy food will cost the average Briton £65,000 over a lifetime, according to a new poll of 2,000 adults.

The survey found that they would spend an average £1,091.26 a year. Multiplied by an average 60.3 year-lifespan, this equates to a total of £65,802.98.

The findings also unveiled that respondents spent a mean of £113.46 per year on gym memberships, another £123.60 on vitamins and supplements, and £66 on protein powders.

They also spent £28.98 a year on new exercise gear, clothing and equipment to help with their workouts.

And those who use alternative medicines and therapies will spend £31.98 a year on the treatments.

“Looking after your health is one of the most important things you can do," said a spokesperson for 4Homeopathy which conducted the research in support of Homeopathy Awareness Week , which takes place from 10-16th April. “There are so many ways you can dedicate funds to improve your health and wellbeing, and we are encouraged by the results of the study which indicate many Brits would be open to alternative therapies in the future.

“We know that many people – with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle being the latest high-profile examples - are already enjoying or exploring the positive health benefits of complementary and alternative medicines."

It also emerged one third of respondents would consider using complementary or homeopathic alternatives for an ailment in the future, while one in six are already using alternative methods to help with their illness.

The survey also found that men were more likely to spend money on vitamins, protein powders and exercise supplements to stay healthy, while women prioritise their spend on healthy foods.

Seven in 10 thought about the state of their health on a regular basis, with the average adult visiting the doctor three times a year and one in 10 had put off visiting their doctor in case it resulted in a costly diagnosis they would struggle to afford.

However, 12 per cent are already suffering with a medical condition, which causes them significant expense to treat.

But only 14 per cent of adults surveyed in the study currently have a savings account reserved specifically in case of emergency.

SWNS