Experts said the shift reflected the surge in mental illness caused by Covid, the cost of living crisis and male violence against women.
The trend is revealed in a survey of people in 31 countries about health and the healthcare they receive.
When it began in 2018, exactly the same proportion of British participants - 50% - identified cancer, obesity and mental health as among the biggest health problems facing the country.
But mental health is now the illness which the largest number of people (54%) in England, Scotland and Wales say is a worry. In comparison, obesity was mentioned in this year's research by only 36%, while cancer was cited by 49% of respondents, even though record numbers are being diagnosed.
Opinion globally has seen an even more dramatic change. In 2018, 27% of people in the 31 countries said mental health was a pressing health concern. But now 45% do - more than any other illness.
This story is from the September 21, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
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This story is from the September 21, 2024 edition of The Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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