When we hear and read content about how the cost of living crisis is impacting everyday Australians, more often than not, the conversations tend to focus on those struggling to break into the housing market or grumbling about their ever-increasing weekly grocery bill. 

But, as the most recent findings of Body+Soul’s Health of a Nation campaign reveal, the cost of living crisis is more far-reaching than deposits and avocados.

According to the survey respondents, most Aussies are cutting back and compromising on several areas of their health and well-being, finding the rising costs associated with staying healthy harder to prioritise than ever.

The cutbacks and compromises Aussies are making

Everywhere we look, prices are rising higher than ever, leaving little relief for Aussies struggling to make ends meet and support their families and households. With only households in the highest income brackets ($300,000+) feeling relatively unaffected by the crisis, the overwhelming majority of Aussies are feeling the pinch in more ways than one.

The survey findings reveal that 1 in 10 Aussiesreveal their ability to maintain their desired level of health and well-being is significantly worse off. As a result, the most common things people are cutting back on in order to pay their bills are health and wellness-related expenses. 

One of the biggest areas of compromise over the last year has been healthy eating, with more and more Aussies responding to the rising cost of groceries by opting for cheaper, less healthy alternatives. 48 per cent of Australians have cut back their budget on healthy food, and 27 per cent have cut back on dietary supplements. 

Roughly 34 per cent of survey respondents say the rising cost of living has also caused them to make cutbacks on personal care products, While for some this means opting for less-expensive skincare brands, others are being forced to make compromises with their personal hygiene products – especially women. 

“It’s heartbreaking to see families having to choose between heating, eating or keeping clean,” managing director of Good360 Australia Alison Covington shared with Canberra City News earlier this year. “Hygiene poverty has profound implications, not just for physical health, but also for mental and emotional wellbeing.”

The increasing compromises being made to our shopping choices and personal hygiene budgets are indicative of the fact that products once considered to be basic human needs – such as soap, toilet paper and diapers – are now viewed as luxuries by many households.

A dangerous trend is emerging

While the survey highlights a clear shift towards tighter spending at supermarkets, a more sinister trend is emerging as a result of the rising cost of health services and products. 

The survey reveals that 29 per cent of Australians are cutting back on preventative healthcare services such as screenings and regular health check-ups. With early detection and intervention being the most important factors when it comes to treating serious diseases and health conditions, Aussies choosing to forego scheduled testing and screening appointments in order to save money is indicative of a much larger healthcare crisis.  

In addition to lower preventative healthcare engagement, 25 per cent of Aussies reveal they’ve had to use lower-cost medication alternatives or skip doses altogether due to the rising cost of medications and treatments. 

While Australia is often praised for its globally-ranking healthcare system and state-of-the-art services and experts, the survey reveals that 24 per cent of Australians have cut back on health insurance in the last year, unable to justify the membership costs and premiums amid their rising household expenses. 

29 per cent of Aussies have also cut back on mental health services, and 21 per cent have cut back on services provided by wellness professionals such as personal trainers, nutritionists and dietitians. 

With rising costs being one of the biggest barriers to maintaining health and well-being, Aussies are in dire need of cost-effective (or better yet, free!) tools and tips to ensure they are able to continue prioritising their health, nutrition and fitness goals at a time when our bodies and minds need them most. 

If you’re looking for a variety of recipe ideas that won’t break the bank (or test your patience) the Kic app houses a rich library of simple yet delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner recipes. Alongside the tasty treats and nutrition tips, Kic also has a variety of ready-to-follow workouts and fitness programs to suit every individual goal, from those looking to keep up their strength and mobility during and after pregnancy to runners of all experience levels. 

Cofounders Laura Henshaw and Steph Claire Smith have joined forces with Body+Soul in celebration of our Health of the Nation campaign to offer you one month of FREE access to the Kic app.

Sign up to Kic!