Friends Provident has reminded the public that more than 40% of Britons support the introduction of a fat tax.
The issue of whether raising taxes on fatty foods and penalising unhealthy behaviours can curb Britain's growing obesity epidemic was aired on the BBC's Panorama programme last night.
Findings from the provider's Visions of Britain 2020 report into health and wellbeing released earlier in the year, show that 44% of people support the introduction of a fat tax with over a third (38%) agreeing that the NHS should not prioritise people who fail to look after their health.
It warns that the continuing unhealthy lifestyles of British people mean the NHS will come under increased pressure on resources and budgets.
As a result it may have no choice but to cut back on some of the free treatment currently enjoyed in the UK, penalising those who fail to look after their health.
Experts who contributed to the report suggested that the NHS may be forced to introduce penalties as a solution to relieve the strain on the service with predictions that obesity surgery and drugs may no longer be free by 2020.
Trevor Matthews, chief executive officer of Friends Provident, said: "Visions of Britain 2020 reveals that there will be a fundamental and permanent change in the provision of free healthcare in the next decade.
"The study identifies a disconnection between aspirations for healthcare and our behaviour. We all need to adopt healthier lifestyles or else risk being faced with penalties in the years ahead," he added.
