These images show what ‘healthy’ looks like – according to Brits.
The AI-generated pictures show a man and woman of slim build and toned muscles with shiny hair and glowing skin, as they take part in exercise.
They are also both non-disabled, nor restricted in their mobility – after research, into 2,000 adults, revealed what they think health means.
Other attributes, which define a ‘healthy person’, include good posture, being able to move without difficulty and aids, and low body fat.
But despite this, although 54% consider themselves to be healthy, 20% of these admit they look nothing like the imagined stereotype.
The images and research, from Bupa, the Official Healthcare Partner for ParalympicsGB, were launched as part of its ‘Health is…’ campaign, which also revealed 43% believe this health typecast is a ‘one size fits all’ approach that neglects diverse body types and abilities.
To emphasise that health is unique to each individual, those using a tunnel in St Pancras leading to the Eurostar will experience a powerful visual representation of their own health reflected in a mirror.
Paralympian Hannah Cockroft, who is working with Bupa on the campaign, said: “Health is unique to everyone, yet many of us have a stereotypical idea of what healthy is.”
She added: “The ‘one size fits all’ approach overlooks diverse body types and abilities that contribute to genuine wellbeing, inside and out.
“It’s crucial for people to understand that disability doesn’t define someone’s health or potential. Embracing our differences can lead to a more inclusive and accurate understanding of what it truly means to be healthy and take away the pressure of fitting a stereotypical norm.”
The study found half of adults consider themselves physically fit, with 32% claiming they are healthier than they look, and 83% believing health is not purely physical.
Yet one in five (19%) rarely see anyone that looks like them featured in the media and six in 10 feel society’s idea of what healthy is needs to be changed, as 78% feel health is unique to everyone.
However, a resounding 79% believe it is perfectly possible to be healthy, but not look like society’s idea of what that is. With 32% claiming they are healthier than they look, and 83% believing health is not purely physical.
The impact of this is most felt by disabled people, with 40% wishing there was more representation of a wider range of body types and abilities in society. With 20% saying how it affects their mental health.
As a result, two thirds of disabled people polled, via OnePoll, feel society’s view of ‘healthy’ needs to change.
Carlos Jaureguizar, CEO for Bupa Global, India & UK, said: “Our findings demonstrate a critical need to broaden society’s understanding of health.
“While traditional images of health may be associated with certain physical attributes, true wellbeing encompasses a diverse range of body types, abilities, mental health and personal experiences.
“We believe health is a deeply individual journey, and our ‘Health is…’ campaign seeks to embrace and celebrate this diversity.
“Through our partnership with ParalympicsGB, we hope to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers in society and promote a more inclusive culture of what it means to be healthy and happy.”