HEALTH experts are urging adults in Somerset and the rest of the South West to take action about their health after figures showed many are taking unnecessary risks.

Public Health England is encouraging people aged between 40 and 60 to take its One You campaign How Are You quiz, which gives an assessment of their current health and wellbeing - click here to have a go.

Levels of alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and obesity are generally on the rise in Somerset adults - only rates of smoking show signs of declining.

PHE is targeting the two-thirds of people in the county who are overweight or obese, the more than one in four who do no physical exercise and the one in five who drink more than the recommended amount in a bid to help them live more healthily in 2017 and beyond.

Thousands of people in Somerset have already taken the quiz and, where appropriate, been directed to download apps like Couch to 5k, Alcohol Checker and Easy Meals.

Russ Moody, health and wellbeing programme lead for Public Health England South West, said: “People are busy with work, with families, with the daily grind and sometimes their own health is the least of their priorities.

“The How Are You quiz will help anyone who wants to take a few minutes to take stock and find out quickly where they can take a little action to make a big difference to their health.”

Professor Sir Muir Gray, clinical adviser for the One You campaign, said: “The demands of modern day living are taking their toll on the health of the nation, and it’s those in middle age that are suffering the consequences most as their health reaches worrying new levels.

“Over 15 million Britons are living with a long-term health condition, and busy lives and desk jobs make it difficult to live healthily.

"But just making a few small changes will have significant benefits to people’s health now and in later life.”

HOW UNHEALTHY ARE YOU? (Somerset figures for 2015).

People in Somerset smoking - 16.1% (17.8% in 2014).

Physically active adults - 58.8% (58.4%).

Overweight or obese adults 2013-15 - 67% (66.1%).

HOW MUCH DO YOU DRINK WEEKLY? (South West figures for 2015).

Non-drinkers in 2015 - 12% (12% in 2014) Up to 14 units (low risk) - 64% (66%).

Between 14 and 35/50 units (increasing risk) - 21% (17%).

More than 35/50 units (higher risk) - 3% (5%).