Government launches free 5-minute health quiz that reveals personalised steps to boost your mood and energy
\n Research shows how 19 million people could boost their mood by making lifestyle changes, all while helping\u00a0shift the NHS from treating sickness to preventing it
\n Radio and TV presenters Melvin Odoom and Rickie Haywood-Williams share how taking the easy quiz gave them tips and advice to improve their health<\/p>\n
Millions of\u00a0Brits could boost their mood by making a simple healthy lifestyle change, according to new research ahead of the launch of a new online quiz today.<\/p>\n
The 5-minute Healthy Choices Quiz<\/a>, launched by the government and NHS, will give people across England personalised steps to boost their health, mood and energy.<\/p>\n The interactive mobile-friendly quiz has been designed to identify healthy changes that people can make and signpost to an array of trusted NHS resources to support healthier living.\u00a0<\/p>\n Research from University College London estimates that 19 million adults in their middle years\u00a0could boost their mood by making a healthy change. Increasing physical activity can improve mental wellbeing in just 4 weeks.<\/p>\n The quiz supports the government\u2019s 10 Year Health Plan<\/a> to shift the NHS from treating sickness to preventing it, and from analogue to digital healthcare – putting people in control of their own health through modern technology.\u00a0<\/p>\n Health Minister Ashley Dalton said:<\/p>\n Taking this quick and easy quiz could be the first step for people to live healthier and happier lives.<\/p>\n We\u2019re doing our part\u00a0to cut smoking, obesity and provide better mental health support – this quiz gives people the chance to help themselves by taking advantage of expert NHS advice at the touch of a screen.<\/p>\n This simple, free and easily available quiz will bring expert NHS advice to your fingertips as part of our 10 Year Health Plan to move from treating sickness to preventing it.<\/p>\n The campaign aims to encourage adults – particularly those aged 40 to 60 and from more deprived backgrounds – to take control of their health and identify where they need support.<\/p>\n The quiz asks questions on a range of topics including nutrition, movement, smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, mental health and sleep.<\/p>\n Users receive an overall score out of 10, along with tailored advice and links to free NHS apps and tools such as the Active 10 app<\/a> to improve fitness or the NHS Every Mind Matters<\/a> webpage which offers simple and practical advice to ease anxiety, manage stress, lift your mood and sleep better.<\/p>\n Radio DJs and TV presenters Rickie Haywood-Williams\u00a0and Melvin Odoom\u00a0are backing the campaign and feature in a short film\u00a0where they share candid stories about their own health journeys and reveal their quiz results. They talk about the steps they\u00a0have taken to improve their health, their motivations and the benefits they\u00a0have experienced.\u00a0<\/p>\n Rickie Haywood-Williams said:\u00a0<\/p>\n Since becoming a dad, I\u2019ve been more focused on my health – especially now my youngest is 3. I\u2019ve started walking more and cycling when I can, and I\u2019ve noticed a massive improvement both mentally and physically. Like most people juggling busy schedules, I still struggle with sleep and routine. I\u2019ve got into the habit of eating late, and that\u2019s one thing I\u2019m trying to change.<\/p>\n That\u2019s why I think the Healthy Choices Quiz is such a brilliant tool. It\u2019s quick, easy and gives you a clear picture of where you\u2019re at with your health. It gave me loads of practical tips that I can actually fit into my life. It\u2019s not about being perfect – it\u2019s about taking that first step and understanding how to start making changes that really make a difference.<\/p>\n Melvin Odoom added:\u00a0<\/p>\n As I\u2019ve got older, staying healthy has become a bigger priority, but it\u2019s taken some trial and error to figure out what works for me. I\u2019ve always loved running but going solo or training for marathons never stuck. Joining a running club changed everything – the social side and sense of community keep me coming back, and now being active is something I genuinely enjoy. I\u2019ve also made changes within my lifestyle, like cutting down on drinking. Now I only have a drink on rare occasions, and the difference in my mood and energy is huge.<\/p>\n Eating better is still a work in progress, but the Healthy Choices Quiz gave me a fresh perspective – especially on things like fibre, which I hadn\u2019t really thought about. It\u2019s helped me figure out realistic changes that really fit my lifestyle, and given me some tools to get started.<\/p>\n A new review by University College London, using Health Survey for England data, highlights how millions could improve their health and wellbeing by making healthy lifestyle choices such as quitting smoking, drinking less alcohol, eating more healthily or moving more.<\/p>\n Dr Radha Modgil, NHS GP and broadcaster, said:\u00a0<\/p>\n As a GP, I know how important it is to make healthy changes that fit into your everyday routine, but knowing where to begin can be tough – that\u2019s why I\u2019m excited about the new Healthy Choices Quiz.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a simple first step that helps you understand where you\u2019re at and gives you manageable tips that can boost your energy, lift your mood, and improve your physical and mental wellbeing.<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re building on progress or just getting going, you\u2019ll be supported by free NHS apps, tools and advice that can help you move towards a healthier, happier future in a way that feels right for you.<\/p>\n The Healthy Choices Quiz is designed as an additional tool to help empower adults to live happier and healthier lives.<\/p>\n Other examples include a new digital NHS points scheme where people are rewarded for taking positive actions to improve their health. As announced in the 10 Year Health Plan, we will soon begin engaging with businesses to determine which behaviours should be incentivised.<\/p>\n Background information<\/p>\n