TAKING the NHS mid-life health MOT could help you live longer, according to a study.
Millions of Brits are eligible for the free check-up every five years after the age of 40.
AlamyThe health MOTs check blood pressure and cholesterol[/caption]
Research by Oxford University found people who take up the offer are 23 per cent less likely to die young.
They also had lower rates of dementia, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis and heart attack.
But NHS figures show around six in 10 people do not take up the offer of a check-up.
Study author Celeste McCracken said: “The results suggest that the NHS Health Check can reduce the rates of long-term disease.”
She looked at medical records from 97,000 Brits between 2008 and 2016.
The half-hour GP or pharmacy check measures height, waist size, blood pressure and cholesterol, and asks questions about exercise, drinking and smoking.
People are not eligible if they have a long-term condition like diabetes or heart disease as they get regular check-ups anyway.
Writing in the journal BMC Medicine, Ms McCracken added: “Disease prevention is challenging when conditions develop over a long period of time without symptoms.
“The NHS Health Check is linked to reduced disease which may be due to earlier detection and treatment of risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.”
She added that the check is an opportunity for medics to give patients health advice.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS medical director for primary care, said: “As this study shows, these free mid-life MOTs are a superb way of spotting the early warning signs of potentially life-threatening conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease or type 2 diabetes.
“If you are between 40 and 74, and haven’t had your NHS Health Check, I strongly encourage you to come forward and take advantage of an offer which could help you enjoy a healthier and longer life.”