The quality of life of Australians has improved for the first time in three years, according to a national health survey.
The 2025 Bupa Pulse Check has revealed mental health, work, physical fitness, and finances showed positive movement from last year, however weight loss has emerged as a new trend, with two in three Australians not happy with their current weight.
Bupa Health Insurance Managing Director Kate Williams said one in four Aussies, who wanted to lose weight, said they would turn to weight loss drugs like Ozempic.
Ms Williams said obesity was not the only chronic illness worrying the nation, with 71 percent of Australians also concerned about developing conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke.
She said the national survey showed more people had found ways to successfully manage their health and wellbeing compared to previous years, leading to 30 percent saying their quality of life was better than last year.
“More people are prioritising self-care, including regular meditation, journaling, yoga, healthy eating, trying new wellness trends, and engaging in fitness activities with gym workouts, swimming, and team sports topping the list.”
Ms Williams said nationally, those living in Tasmania said they had the best overall quality of life followed by the ACT, Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and then South Australia.
She said other key findings included:
- More Australians were looking after their nutrition with 63 percent taking vitamins or supplements regularly and 45 perecent were reducing alcohol consumption.
- Seven in 10 employed Australians experienced burnout with heavy workload, poor work life balance and lack of resources the main drivers.
- The majority (86 percent) of Australians were taking steps to improve their mental health, with more taking time away from work than last year – exercise, healthy eating and spending time with friends were the most common activities.
- 46 percent were taking time out for self-care, gratitude, or meditation.
- Baby Boomers remain the only generation where the majority think they’re healthier than the prior generation.
- Two in five find it difficult to manage their health and wellbeing, with cost and lack of motivation key obstacles and now work commitments increasingly getting in the way.
- One in four think specialists should use AI to diagnose health issues.
Download: Bupa pulse check 2025
