Record number of Scots with long-term health conditions

Following a damning series of findings published in a new health survey, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today said that "voting SNP is bad for your health."

The Scottish Health Survey found that in 2024:

• Half of all adults reported having a long-term condition, the highest proportion in the timeseries.
• Almost two in five adults reported having a long-term condition that limited their activities.
• The proportion of adults with doctor-diagnosed diabetes rose to 8%, the highest level recorded.
• 7% of adults reported currently having Long Covid.
• A third of adults (31%) were living with obesity.
• 18% of children were at risk of obesity, the same level as in 2021 and 2022 and the highest level in the timeseries.
• 13% of adults self-reported eating behaviours and feelings related to food that could be indicative of a possible eating disorder

Alex Cole-Hamilton said:

“This is yet more proof that voting SNP is bad for your health.

“Obesity and long-term health conditions heap huge amounts of pressure on an already overwhelmed NHS, so we need to be on the front foot about tackling them.

“It was Scottish Liberal Democrats who secured more funding for long-term health conditions like Long Covid, unpicking some of the damage done by the SNP, but there is much more still to do.

"Everyone deserves first-rate health care – so you can see your GP, dentist or mental health professional when you need them.

“We’ve got a realistic plan to bring down levels of obesity and diabetes by investing in preventative care and ensuring fair and equal access to weight loss medication across the country.

“Scotland deserves better than years of SNP mismanagement of our health service. Wherever you are, every vote for the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the second, peach-coloured regional ballot at next May’s election will deliver change with fairness at its heart.”