West Australians are keen to tackle their health challenges in 2026, with more than half (55%) making a health-related New Year’s resolution. The Voice of WA Health and Wellbeing Report, powered by HIF Health Insurance, found that West Australians experiencing the most stress reported greater concerns about their health.1
WA HEALTH SNAPSHOT What does the typical West Australian look like when it comes to health? |
The Upside - 92% take at least one preventative health measure as often as they need to
- 56% eat healthy food most days
- 82% have a person they can go to for help if they are feeling stressed or overwhelmed
- 59% practice gratitude or positive thinking at least once a week
| The Downside - 68% feel stressed or overwhelmed at least sometimes
- 67% don’t get around to at least one preventative health measure that they would like to take
- 54% never meditate
- 39% can’t afford to take preventative health measures
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Kristina Green, HIF spokesperson, said, “It’s encouraging to see that West Australians are resolved to focus more on their health in 2026. While stress and time pressures are barriers (especially for those in their 30s and 40s) we know that once health issues become a focus, they can tip people into a state of overwhelm. Exercising more, having a better diet, and losing weight are the top three health goals for 2026, so it’s clear that taking control of your health is a critical part of living better”.
Trends from HIF member claiming data reflect that people often start the year with a focus on health. February is the busiest month of the year for Extras claims.2 The challenge for many is how to stick to resolutions and where to access tools to support maintaining healthy habits. Interestingly, nearly one in five (18%) West Australians confirmed they’ve used weight loss medication over the past year, rising to almost one in four (24%) among 18 – 49 year olds.3
Ms Green continued, “Weight loss drugs now account for over 30% of HIF’s pharmacy benefit claims. Women aged 50 lead this trend in our data, making up 80% of these pharmacy claims.4 We can see that weight loss drugs are becoming a key tool in the proactive health toolkit. For many, they offer a practical solution to support health goals, with our research indicating those taking them are more likely to work full-time, live with children, and struggle with healthy eating and sleep.
“As West Australians take positive steps to improve their health in 2026, they should know they can access support from trusted health professionals to help them on their journey. HIF Extras benefits reset in January, which gives members the opportunity to use their private health cover right from the beginning of the year to access services like exercise physiology, chiropractic, osteopathy, dietetics, general fitness, and health and well-being programs,” said Green.
Top Tips to Keep New Year’s Health Resolutions
- Set realistic goals. Make your resolutions achievable and realistic. Rather than “exercise everyday”, try “exercise three times a week”.
- Create a plan. Break your resolution into actionable steps. Schedule workouts in your calendar, meal plan & prep on Sundays and book appointments with health professionals to keep regular check-ins scheduled throughout the year.
- Listen to the experts. Seek out information from qualified health professionals who rely on evidence-based advice, not those following social media trends.
- Remind yourself why the resolution matters. More energy, improved mood, long-term health benefits – and track your progress to stay motivated.
- Focus on consistency, not perfection. Be kind to yourself and recognise that small changes over time should be celebrated.
Further information
1 The ‘Voice of WA’ Wellbeing Research, powered by HIF in partnership with CoreData and 303. October 2025, Survey of 1002 West Australians aged 18+.
2 HIF 'healthy living' claims, Q1 2025.
3 The ‘Voice of WA’ Wellbeing Research.
4 HIF pharmaceutical benefit claims for weight loss drugs, November 2025.