Gen X issued health warning after millions miss out on vital ‘mid-life MOT’
A watchdog has urged greater awareness for the NHS Health Check after revealing over a third of adults are unfamiliar with the service.
The screening is commonly referred to as the "mid-life MOT." But Healthwatch England found 36% of adults unaware of the vital screening.
A new poll further indicates that many eligible individuals are not receiving invitations. The Savanta survey of 7,407 adults in England found 55% of eligible men and 53% of eligible women have never been invited for the "vital" check-up.
However, around three in five respondents (62% of men and 60% of women) reported attending every health check they were invited to.
“The NHS Health Check is a vital prevention tool, but it only works if people are invited, understand its purpose, and feel motivated to attend,” said Louise Ansari, chief executive at Healthwatch England.
“Our research shows we must ensure that everyone eligible for the Health Check receives an invitation and is given clear information on why it is important.
“Key to this will be using trusted sources like GPs to reach those most at risk.”
Source: The Independent, 18 September 2025