Understanding the most common illnesses in the UK is crucial to shaping public health policies and improving care. Plus, it can help patients be more aware of how to prevent and treat certain conditions.
In 2024, the landscape of health in the UK is marked by both the continuing impact of chronic conditions and emerging trends in mental health, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other widespread illnesses.
From socioeconomic factors to environmental influences, multiple elements shape health outcomes across the nation. Here, we explore the most common illnesses in the UK and how they differ by region, with a special focus on Liverpool.
-
Mental health conditions
Mental health issues remain one of the most prevalent health concerns in the UK. According to Forth UK Healthcare Statistics (2024), 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health condition each year, with anxiety and depression being the most common. This figure has risen significantly over the past decade, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated feelings of isolation, uncertainty, and stress.
The increase in mental health issues can also be linked to societal changes such as greater awareness and less stigma around mental illness, meaning more people are seeking help and getting diagnosed. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported that the prevalence of common mental disorders in England increased by nearly 7% between 2014 and 2024, with young adults (aged 16-24) being particularly affected.
Regional insights (Liverpool):
Liverpool mirrors this national trend. In the Liverpool City Region, mental health conditions are particularly pronounced in areas with high levels of deprivation. According to Liverpool City Council Health Profile 2024, more than one-third of residents in areas with high unemployment report experiencing mental health issues; a stark contrast to wealthier neighbourhoods. The city’s healthcare providers are increasingly focusing on improving mental health support, particularly for vulnerable groups.
-
Respiratory diseases
Respiratory conditions, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, remain significant contributors to the UK’s disease burden. The NHS Long Term Plan highlights that respiratory conditions are among the leading causes of hospital admissions in the UK, with over 12 million people living with asthma and 1.2 million diagnosed with COPD.
Data from Statista (2024) states that respiratory diseases have increased by nearly 10% in recent years, attributed to environmental factors such as air pollution and a rise in smoking-related illnesses. However, smoking rates have been steadily declining, which has helped reduce the prevalence of certain respiratory diseases, particularly in younger generations.
Regional insights (Liverpool):
In Liverpool, respiratory illnesses are notably prevalent, particularly in areas with poorer air quality and high smoking rates. The city has a history of industrial pollution, which continues to impact the health of its residents. The Liverpool Air Quality Plan 2024 highlights how air pollution exacerbates conditions like asthma, particularly among children and older adults. Liverpool has higher-than-average rates of asthma-related hospital admissions compared to the national average.
-
Diabetes
The incidence of diabetes has been rising across the UK, with Type 2 diabetes in particular becoming a major health concern. According to the NHS Diabetes Prevalence Model (2024), an estimated 4.9 million people are living with diabetes in the UK, and it is projected that by 2030, 1 in 8 adults will have the condition. This rise is largely attributed to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity.
Regional Insights (Liverpool):
Liverpool has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the country, with some of its boroughs reporting over 10% of the population affected. Socioeconomic factors, such as lower income levels and higher levels of food insecurity, contribute to the higher rates of obesity and diabetes in Liverpool.
-
Cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which include conditions such as heart disease and stroke, continue to be one of the leading causes of death in the UK. According to Forth UK Healthcare Statistics 2024, approximately 1 in 4 deaths in the UK are attributed to CVD, with high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and diabetes being major risk factors.
Over the past few decades, rates of CVD have generally declined due to improvements in treatments, public health campaigns (e.g., anti-smoking initiatives), and advances in medical technology. However, Statista (2024) reports that CVD is still disproportionately high among older populations and those living in lower-income communities.
Regional insights (Liverpool):
Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent in Liverpool, with the city’s heart disease mortality rate higher than the national average. The city’s socioeconomic makeup, with high levels of deprivation in some areas, contributes significantly to these outcomes. Areas with poor access to healthy foods and high levels of smoking are more likely to see higher rates of cardiovascular diseases.
-
Cancer
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in the UK. According to Gov.UK, more than 360,000 people are diagnosed with cancer each year, with breast cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer being the most common types.
Cancer survival rates in the UK have improved over the last 20 years, largely due to advances in screening, earlier diagnosis, and treatment options. The survival rate for all cancers combined is now around 67%, an improvement from 49% in the 1970s.
Regional insights (Liverpool):
In Liverpool, cancer rates have been influenced by both lifestyle factors and environmental conditions. The city has one of the highest incidences of lung cancer, largely due to the higher rates of smoking and industrial air pollution. Liverpool’s efforts to tackle smoking through local health initiatives have led to a gradual decline in smoking-related cancers, though challenges remain.
-
Other common illnesses
Other illnesses that are common in the UK include obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease. The rise in obesity has been a particular concern, with 1 in 4 adults classified as obese in the UK. The growing rates of obesity contribute to a higher prevalence of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.
Tackling health inequalities in Liverpool and Sefton
Both Liverpool and Sefton face significant health inequalities driven by socioeconomic factors. Liverpool ranks as the third most deprived local authority in England, with 63% of residents living in highly deprived areas. This has a direct impact on health outcomes, including increased child poverty, poorer nutrition, and limited access to preventive healthcare.
Initiatives and future goals
- Liverpool City Council emphasises early intervention, improved access to healthcare, and partnerships to address long-term conditions and mental health.
- Sefton’s strategy focuses on integrated care models to support vulnerable populations, prioritising older adults and those with mental health challenges.
The path to improved health in Liverpool and Sefton involves tackling the root causes of illness – poverty, lifestyle factors, and access to healthcare – alongside sustained public health efforts and community engagement.
Keeping our communities healthy
The landscape of common illnesses in the UK in 2024 reflects a combination of historical trends, societal changes, and regional disparities. Mental health conditions, respiratory diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer continue to dominate the nation’s health concerns, with notable differences between certain regions, including Liverpool and Sefton.
The rise of chronic conditions can largely be attributed to lifestyle factors, while socioeconomic and environmental factors exacerbate the prevalence of these illnesses in specific areas. Addressing these disparities will require concerted efforts from healthcare providers, policymakers, and local communities to improve living conditions and access to care for those most affected by these conditions.
