Balanced compensators are positive and like to look and feel good about themselves.
They get some pleasure from taking risks. However, they don’t take risks with health. Health is very important to them, and something they feel in control of. A healthy lifestyle is generally easy and enjoyable.
They are not fatalists when it comes to health and understand that their actions impact on their health both now and in the future.
If they do take some health risks, they will use compensatory mechanisms to make up for this, such as going for a run in the morning having eaten a big meal or drunk too much the night before.
23% of adults who took this survey are Balanced Compensators, this compares to a predicted 17% of the general population.
Encouragement to maintain positive behaviour and awareness that the risky behaviour may not be compensated for by compensatory behaviours.
Health check available across gyms, primary or secondary care. Mentoring rejected by this group; however, they welcome advisory roles for behaviour change with their own friends. Supported self-management materials.
Multiple health issues approach understood – but have to be health issues of concern to them, e.g. no point bundling other issues with antismoking advice as most of them don’t smoke. Non-prescriptive approach as segment will be proactive regarding healthy behaviours. Facilitate signposting of individual support for lifestyle interventions delivered away from medical settings.
Value positive environment, facilities and infrastructure that support a healthy lifestyle. Regeneration, cycle lanes.
Affordable/free gyms, swimming, family/friend fun days. Community events, e.g. Olympics and health events.
Government/NHS branding not appropriate and needs to be local. Wellness messages. Clear signs and information on local facilities are important, as segment will respond once aware of availability.
Already engaged with health, so prefer facilitation through a range of sources building on their existing positive attitudes and behaviour. In control of own health, prefer to search for own information via internet, family and friends.
Very low levels of service use (but they are the healthiest group). Average levels of satisfaction.