A new survey suggests people living in regional and rural areas are more realistic about the state of their health, while affordability and access to services remain a concern.
It comes as a national survey rates Australians’ health confidence at 75 out of 100 but experts warn of a significant gap between our perception and reality.
The Inaugural Healthylife National Health Confidence Survey of over 1,000 respondents, found that as a nation we are confident in our ability to look after our health, with a mean National Health Confidence Score of 75 out of 100.
While being confident can be good, the report highlights that this high level of self-assurance often clashes with rising chronic disease rates and the reality that many of us are not adopting the healthy habits that we perceive we can.
Research shows only about one in four people (25 per cent) aged 15 years and over meet the recommended physical activity guidelines and the report data shows people don’t purchase a diet in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines despite the report showing it can be cheaper to do so.
Healthylife Chief Health Officer and Accredited Practising Dietitian Simone Austin said: “It is a common misconception that achieving good health is simply a matter of personal willpower.”
“Our data reveals a national ‘blind spot,’ where overconfidence, or inaccurate perceptions, a type of cognitive bias, often known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, can be masking the health challenges the nation truly faces.”
“While 91 per cent of survey respondents agree or strongly agree they can implement healthy habits, the reality of their food purchasing and physical activity levels tells a different story.”
To download the report and to take the survey, visit https://www.healthylife.com.au/health-report-2026
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