C2 Proficiency (CPE): Writing Test Five

Personal Health as Social Responsibility

In an era of increasing healthcare costs and stretched medical resources, maintaining personal health through proper nutrition and lifestyle choices has become a civic duty. Poor dietary choices and sedentary lifestyles place an enormous burden on healthcare systems, ultimately affecting all taxpayers. Studies show that preventable lifestyle-related conditions account for approximately 70% of healthcare spending in developed nations. Those who neglect their health effectively force others to subsidise their personal choices through increased insurance premiums and taxation. Moreover, parents who model poor health behaviours perpetuate cycles of unhealthy living, creating generational health problems that society must address. Companies also bear the cost through decreased productivity and increased sick leave, ultimately affecting economic growth and societal prosperity.

Health Choices: A Matter of Personal Freedom

The notion that individuals have a duty to maintain optimal health represents a dangerous overreach into personal autonomy. This perspective fails to acknowledge the complex socioeconomic factors that influence health choices, essentially blaming individuals for circumstances often beyond their control. Many people lack access to nutritious food options or safe exercise spaces, while others work multiple jobs that leave little time for meal preparation or physical activity. The stress of being constantly pressured to make 'perfect' health choices can itself lead to anxiety and eating disorders. Furthermore, the idea of health as a moral obligation often masks discrimination against certain body types and abilities. A truly ethical society should focus on ensuring equal access to health resources rather than monitoring individual choices. The right to make decisions about one's own body, including dietary and lifestyle choices, remains fundamental to personal freedom.