Australians believe they are managing their health well, but new research suggests that confidence may not match reality.
The inaugural Healthylife National Health Confidence Survey has revealed a significant gap between how healthy Australians think they are and their actual habits.
The survey of more than 1,000 people found that Australians rated their health confidence at 75 out of 100, based on five key questions about social and environmental influences on wellbeing.
While this suggests a nation that feels in control of its health, the Living Healthy Report 2026 shows that many are not living as healthily as they believe.
Only one in four Australians aged 15 and over meet the recommended physical activity guidelines andpurchasing data shows that most households do not buy food in line with the Australian Dietary Guidelines — even though doing so can be cheaper.
Chronic disease rates continue to rise, highlighting the gap between perception and behaviour.
Healthylife Chief Health Officer and Accredited Practising Dietitian Simone Austin said the findings reveal a national “blind spot” in health awareness.
“It is a common misconception that achieving good health is simply a matter of personal willpower,” Ms Austin said.
“Our data shows that overconfidence, or inaccurate perceptions — a type of cognitive bias known as the Dunning-Kruger effect — may be masking the real health challenges Australians face.”
While 91 per cent of respondents said they could implement healthy habits, their food choices and activity levels tell a different story. Ms Austin said that although artificial intelligence can be a useful tool for health information, misinformation is widespread.
“To bridge this gap, confidence must be built on accurate self-awareness and credible information from trusted health professionals,” she said.
The report also found evidence of overconfidence in several areas.
Ninety-five per cent of Australians said they know how to use medications appropriately, yet many stop taking prescribed treatments for chronic conditions within the first year.
Eighty-five per cent said they can choose supplements suited to their health, but many are unaware of potential risks, such as Vitamin B6 overconsumption leading to nerve damage.
And while 87 per cent believe their environments support healthy eating, purchasing data shows Australians buy nearly twice as many discretionary food serves (5.7 per day) as vegetables (2.9 per day), a pattern that has barely changed in four years.
The survey also explored attitudes toward artificial intelligence in health advice. Forty-six per cent of respondents said they have moderate or high trust in AI-generated health information.
Younger Australians aged 25 to 44 were more than twice as likely to trust AI (62 per cent) compared to those aged 65 and over (27 per cent).
City residents were also more trusting than those in regional areas.
Despite this, 93 per cent of Australians believe the health information they have is correct, even as digital misinformation continues to spread.
Ms Austin encouraged Australians to stay curious and seek reliable advice. “People often don’t know what they don’t know,” she said.
“It’s important to question familiar or heavily advertised information and rely on evidence-based guidance.”
The Living Healthy Report 2026 concludes that while Australians may feel confident about their health, genuine wellbeing requires more than belief — it demands awareness, education, and consistent action.
