Some people think that people should follow a healthy lifestyle, while others think it is a matter of personal choice. Discuss both views and give your opinion

Band 7 Answer

Some people believe that everyone should follow a healthy lifestyle because it is important for both individuals and society. They argue that staying healthy reduces the risk of serious illnesses and helps people live longer. If most people choose healthy habits, such as eating balanced meals and exercising regularly, it can also lower the cost of medical care for governments and families.

On the other hand, many people think that lifestyle choices are personal. They believe that every individual has the right to decide how to live, whether healthy or unhealthy. For example, some people enjoy fast food or smoking, even though they know the risks. They feel that as long as they are not harming others directly, no one should force them to change their lifestyle.

In my opinion, people should be encouraged, but not forced, to follow healthy habits. Education and awareness programs can guide them to make better choices, but at the end of the day, it should remain a matter of personal freedom. A balance between promoting public health and respecting personal choice is the best approach.

Band 8 Answer

There is an ongoing debate about whether people should be required to follow a healthy lifestyle or whether it should remain a personal decision. While some argue that adopting healthy habits is a social responsibility, others maintain that lifestyle choices belong solely to the individual.

Supporters of the first view claim that public health is closely linked to individual behaviour. A population that maintains good eating habits, exercises regularly, and avoids harmful activities such as smoking can significantly reduce the burden on national healthcare systems. Moreover, promoting healthy lifestyles leads to increased productivity, as people who are physically fit are less likely to take sick leave and more likely to contribute positively to the economy. From this perspective, encouraging healthy living benefits not only individuals but also society at large.

On the contrary, opponents argue that lifestyle decisions are deeply personal and should not be dictated by social expectations. People have diverse preferences, circumstances, and even genetic predispositions, which may prevent them from living in a universally “healthy” way. For instance, while one person may enjoy exercising daily, another may prefer a sedentary lifestyle, and imposing rules on personal behaviour could be seen as a violation of freedom and autonomy.

In my opinion, governments and communities should strongly encourage healthy living through education, public campaigns, and accessible facilities, but they should stop short of making it compulsory. Personal freedom is a fundamental right, and people should retain the choice to decide how they want to live, even if their decisions carry certain risks. The ideal solution is to strike a balance: empower individuals with knowledge and opportunities, while respecting their right to make personal choices.