Ireland Too Tired to Be Healthy: New Data Reveals Nation is Stuck in Reactive Health Cycle

Ireland is stuck in a cycle of “fixing health when it’s broken,” with fatigue, lack of time and low motivation preventing many people from taking action to live healthier lives. 

The new study commissioned by Holland & Barrett among 1,000 adults across Ireland reveals that while 87% of people agree that establishing good health and wellbeing habits now is key to preventing illness in the future, most still wait until something goes wrong before taking action.

Among those surveyed, 70% admit they only listen to their body when something feels off, and 57% are proactive with their health only “when something goes wrong.” Meanwhile, one in four adults (80%) say they visit the doctor only when “absolutely necessary.”

At the heart of the issue is a nation running on empty, creating major barriers to healthier habits. Everyday obstacles continue to hold people back: 30% cite fatigue, 30% lack of time, and 28% low motivation as their biggest challenges. Other common barriers include the cost of healthy food (26%), difficulty staying consistent (24%), and the convenience of unhealthy options (20%).

Nearly one in five adults (18%) feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information about what constitutes a “healthy lifestyle,” suggesting that more information isn’t the solution. Instead, consumers need clear, simple, and time-efficient steps to overcome these dual challenges of limited time and energy.

Despite strong intentions – 75% of adults plan to focus more on their health in the next 12 months – action often lags behind, with only 61% actively managing their health and wellbeing today.

At the same time, many people feel unsure where to start. Almost half (44%) of Irish adults say they find it difficult to know what their body actually needs, pointing to a clear need for more accessible, personalised guidance that helps people turn intention into action.

In response to these findings, Holland & Barrett has launched its new ‘Back Your Body’ campaign in Ireland, a nationwide initiative designed to shift people from reactive health habits to a more proactive approach.

The Back Your Body Commitment will provide up to 25,600 free Wellness Check-Ins per month, with more than 400 trained Wellness Champions offering science-backed, personalised advice across key areas including sleep, energy, stress, gut health, and immunity. The initiative aims to cut through complex information, turning it into simple, actionable steps so people can act on their health needs earlier, not just when something goes wrong.

The campaign is supported by Paralympic Champion Ellen Keane and Olympic athlete Sharlene Mawdsley, who will inspire the nation to take a proactive approach to their health and wellbeing.

Adam Moore, Director of Stores, Ireland at Holland & Barrett, said: “Ireland is waiting too long to act on health, held back by fatigue, lack of time, and low motivation. Through Back Your Body, we’re bringing proactive, preventative support directly into communities across Ireland. We’re delighted to be working with Ellen Keane and Sharlene Mawdsley to inspire people, and by offering up to 25,600 free Wellness Check-Ins each month, we’re helping people understand their bodies earlier and take simple, meaningful steps to stay well.”

Further key report findings highlight the scope of the challenge:

·        Sleep: Nearly half (45%) of adults report struggling with sleep, yet many do not follow consistent routines

·        Energy: 43% report low energy, reinforcing fatigue as a barrier to healthier habits

·        Movement: While many recognise the benefits of regular exercise, lack of time (30%) remains a key obstacle

·        Mind: 39% experience high levels of stress or anxiety, rising to 48% among women, yet many are not taking action to address it

·        Awareness: Younger adults show the greatest knowledge gap, with up to 57% of 18–24-year-olds unsure what their body needs

 

Pop into your local Holland & Barrett for a free 15-minute Wellness Check-In with a Wellness Champion. For more information, visit: Holland & Barrett – Ireland’s Leading Health & Wellbeing Store