What are the most common ailments troubling Britons?

Latest research data from YouGov Profiles shows ailments British adults commonly experience, with differences across age groups and genders. Headaches are one of the most reported conditions, with women twice likely to suffer from it than men. Some 47% of women aged 18-24 and 43% of those aged 25-39 are affected by headaches. Among men, the highest rates are in the 25-39 group, at 25%. Older adults report fewer headaches, with only 14% of men and 21% of women over 60 experiencing them in the last four weeks.

Muscular and joint pain is more common as people age. Among men, reports increase from 16% in the 18-24 group to 41% among those over 60. The trend is similar for women, rising from 22% among 18-24-year-olds to 50% among those over 60. Back pain also follows this pattern, with 25% of men and 28% of women over 60 reporting issues.

Coughs, sore throats, and colds or fevers are common across all groups. Coughs are most frequent among women aged 40-59, at 20%, and among men aged 60+, at 20%. Sore throats are most common in younger age groups, affecting 21% of women aged 18-24 and 14% of men in the same range. Cold or fever cases remain relatively stable, affecting 11-19% Britons across all groups.

Migraines are more commonly reported by women than men. Among women, 13% of those under 40 report migraines, compared to only 6% of men aged 40-59 and 3% of men over 60. Indigestion and heartburn also increase with age, affecting 19% of women over 60 and 12% of men in the same group.

Digestive and diarrhoea problems are reported by fewer Britons. Women report slightly higher rates of digestive problems, with 12-14% affected, while men’s range from 6-8%. Diarrhoea problems are reported by up to 12% of both men and women, with the highest percentage in middle-aged groups.

Period pain affects a significant number of younger women, with 36% of 18-24-year-olds and 30% of 25-39-year-olds reporting it. This drops to 18% among women aged 40-59.

Methodology: YouGov Profiles is based on continuously collected data and rolling surveys, rather than from a single limited questionnaire. Profiles data for Great Britain is nationally representative and weighted by age, gender, education, region, and race.