More than a third of middle-aged Britons have multiple health problems and the trend is getting worse, research suggests.
The extent to which they suffer from long-term conditions has been laid bare by a study into the nation's health.
Figures show that 34 per cent of those aged 46 to 48 have two or more long-term conditions, of which at least one relates to physical health.
These include chronic back problems, mental ill-health, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma and high-risk drinking.
Figures show that 34 per cent of those aged 46 to 48 have two or more long-term conditions, of which at least one relates to physical health - these include chronic back problems, mental ill-health, high blood pressure (stock image), diabetes, asthma and high-risk drinking
The study found those who grew up in poorer families – defined by the father being unskilled – were 43 per cent more likely to have multiple long-term health problems in their late 40s than those who were wealthier.
They were also almost three-and-a-half times more likely to suffer from mental ill-health and arthritis, and had around three times the risk of having high blood pressure.
Experts also found a link between youngsters having problems in childhood, such as being overweight or internalising problems, and chronic health problems in middle age.
Lead author Dr Dawid Gondek, from University College London (UCL), said: 'This study shows that a substantial proportion of the population are already suffering from multiple long-term physical and mental health problems in their late 40s, and also points to stark health inequalities which appear to begin early in childhood.'
Professor George Ploubidis, also from UCL, said: 'We found that adults from the most disadvantaged backgrounds, those who
