Health Survey for England 2008

About this study

The 2008 Health Survey for England focuses on physical activity and fitness.

One key finding from the 2008 survey is that the vast majority of men (94%) and women (96%) do not meet the minimum recommended amount of physical activity.

You can read more findings from the survey  here.

How we conducted the research

Adults and children were asked questions about their physical activity and some were also asked to wear a device called an accelerometer. This measured people's actual physical activity levels over one week, which we could then compare with their questionnaire answers. In addition to this, adults were asked to complete a fitness test.

As in previous years, questions were also asked about alcohol consumption, smoking and fruit and vegetable consumption.

Key measures, such as height and weight, blood pressure, and waist and hip circumference, were also included in the survey.

Potential policy impact

The Health Survey for England is funded by The NHS Information Centre. It is used for health policy in England.

Physical activity has become an increasingly important public health issue as governments attempt to curb the levels of child and adult obesity. A physically active lifestyle brings major health benefits, and can increase the quality of life and independence in older age. The  2008 HSE results give an important update on how the government's targets for physical activity are being met.

Methods

In 2008 a total of 15,102 adults and 7,521 children were interviewed.

Participants were selected using a random probability sample. The survey design ensures that every address has an equal chance of being included in the survey and the results are representative of the English population living in private households.

Data was collected through an interview, and if participants agreed, a visit from a specially trained nurse.

Next steps

The results of the Health Survey for England 2008 are published in several reports. You can:

• Read the  full report here and the  methods and documentation report here.
• See a summary of the findings here.
• Learn more about the Health Survey series here.

For further use of the data, see

• Trend tables for key statistics