The Road To Real Health Goals

by Emma Barlow | 7 April 2016

With all eyes on sport this summer, it's a time when Brits will be set to support and be inspired by the UK's sporting heroes' achievements on the world stage. But it's also the year that the people of Britain have become increasingly dissatisfied with their health.

Released today, to mark World Health Day, new research by Superdrug shows that 89% of Brits want to improve their health, but more than two thirds (74%) have not sought help, advice or treatment. Those that have, wait on average an astonishing 25 months before tackling their personal health concern.

Weight loss is the top health concern for the nation as a whole. 72% of Britons admitted it's an area they've tried or thought about trying to improve, yet the majority of those questioned (58%) were unable to correctly identify what a healthy body mass index (BMI) should be. Whilst the main reason for wanting to improve health was personal "doing it for me" (70%), a fifth (21%) cited 'setting a good example for their children as a motivating factor showing that Brits are determined to improve the future health of their families.

In a bid to help the nation take a positive step to improve their health, Superdrug, alongside Rebecca Adlington and Stef Reid, has today (7th April) launched a campaign in line with World Health Day, aimed to motivate and encourage people to realise their health goals. Whether that's losing weight, quitting smoking or getting their blood pressure under control, Superdrug is providing the nation with the impetus, inspiration and expertise to get them there.

Kick starting this health and wellbeing overhaul are the first #TeamMe members, six Superdrug customers who have all pledged to improve their health. Each will be receiving support and encouragement from Adlington and Reid, as well as pharmacists, doctors and nutritionists over the next four months with the hope to achieving their goals.

The #TeamMe campaign however is open to everyone and, over the next four months Superdrug will be encouraging as many people as possible to take part and pledge their own health and wellbeing goals.

Those wanting to take part can simply visit www.superdrug.com/teamme, where there are a range of experts on hand to provide advice including Rebecca Adlington, Stef Reid, TV doctor Pixie McKenna and nutritionist, Charlotte Stirling-Reed. Superdrug will also be running healthy #TeamMe checks in pharmacy stores across the UK to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the campaign.

Speaking at the launch of #TeamMe, former Olympic swimmer, and co-captain of #TeamMe, Rebecca Adlington said "You're never too old, too busy or too late to make a positive change to your health and getting the right support is key to achieving your goal. I could never have achieved my gold medal success without the help of my training team, so that's why I'm proud to be part of Superdrug #TeamMe - it's a positive, inspiring campaign with solid expert advice from Superdrug. I think the team is going to be unstoppable in achieving their targets and I can't wait to go on this journey with them."

Fellow #TeamMe co-captain and Paralympic long jumper, Stef Reid added "No matter your target, whether it's to quit a 40-a-day smoking habit or simply drop a few pounds, everyone is capable of succeeding with good advice and the right attitude. The best part about #TeamMe is that it is a group of normal people with a common goal - to be the me they want to be. It's awesome! Myself, Rebecca, and the Superdrug experts are here to support and encourage everyone and I'm so excited to see what we can achieve."

Healthcare Director at Superdrug, Michael Henry said "At Superdrug we're proud of our team of in-store and online healthcare experts who help inform and inspire our customers to improve their health on a daily basis. Our aim for #TeamMe, is that with the added support of sporting legends Rebecca Adlington and Stef Reid, we can expand our reach to get everyone across the country making positive changes and, with Superdrug and #TeamMe by their side, getting them to win their own health gold."

Brits can take part in #TeamMe and receive support and expert advice by visiting www.superdrug.com/teamme or by using the #TeamMe hashtag on social media to pledge their own health goals and follow others taking part.