NHS health checks proven to reduce premature deaths

Survival analysis of GP electronic health record data shows reduced mortality in those who attended an NHS Health Check compared with those who did not, according to a long-term observational study published in the British Journal of General Practice.

Previously, the health check has been shown to improve the detection and management of surrogate markers of health, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, but the long-term impact has been less clear. Mortality reductions have been seen in a UK Biobank Study, but not reduction in mortality was seen in a Cochrane review.

The checks were introduced in 2009, but have been criticised for disproportionately attracting the ‘worried well’.

The current study, based on analysis of data from around 160,000 participants from an inner-city London borough, between 2009 and 2023, found a significant reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality and premature mortality among those attending at least one NHS health check.

Researchers said: ‘With a large sample size and extended follow-up, the current study has provided evidence of the programme’s long-term effectiveness in improving survival outcomes in the real world.’

Key strengths of the study included its representation of ethnic diversity, socioeconomically deprived and vulnerable populations, although the risk of self-selection bias may have still had some influence on outcomes.

The results strengthen the case for continued implementation and optimisation of NHS health checks, which could play a pivotal role in addressing health inequalities and reducing premature mortality.

Sound J, et al. Br J Gen Practice 2026;76(770):e724-733