Briton's lifestyle choices are costing the NHS, employers and themselves £17.7bn a year, according to new research from Bupa.
This figure could rise to almost £33bn a year by 2025 if current trends continue.
The study calculated potential savings if obesity rates stop rising ; the 26% of smokers who attempt to quit each year are successful; and excessive drinkers bring their intake down to recommended levels.
According to the findings, smokers who quit will have, on average, an extra £1,555 at the end of the year.
Excessive drinkers who commit to drinking within the Government's recommended daily allowance will save an average of £200 a year on alcohol expenditure.
People suffering from obesity could reduce their future earning power by as much as £500 per annum because qualifications, skills and experience become out-dated during long-term absences from work caused by their conditions.
By 2025, if healthier lifestyles are adopted the total savings made by individuals alone across the UK could amount to £22bn a year, two thirds of the potential annual savings of £33bn.
The findings of the report also outline the long-term financial implications of healthier lifestyles to employers and the NHS, which make up the remainder of the £33bn figure.
UK employers could save close to £3bn a year by 2025: They would enjoy immediate savings from increased productivity and decreased sick pay of almost £1.8bn per year lost through alcohol misuse.
This figure would rise to £2,2bn by 2025, plus £6m a year lost through absences caused by smoking-related illnesses. A further £490m a year would be saved by 2025 on obesity-related conditions.
It is estimated the NHS could save £8.2bn a year by 2025: Around £1,958m would be saved instantly through reduced numbers of accident due to excessive drinking, £5.8bn a year by 2025 through fewer alcohol-related medical conditions and £1.9bn and £575mn a year through the treatment of obesity and smoking-related illnesses respectively.
Dr Peter Mace, assistant medical director, Bupa Health and Wellbeing, said: "Data released earlier this year from the Bupa ‘Health Age' report showed that almost 70 per cent of people in the UK wanted to make a positive change to improve their health in 2011.
"While ultimately it's up to individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices, there is a huge opportunity for healthcare providers and employers to play their part in empowering individuals to live more healthily."
To coincide with the new findings, Bupa is launching the "Bupa Health Pledge" campaign, calling on the public to make a Pledge to achieve their health goals. Bupa will donate £1 to the British Heart Foundation for everyone who signs up to a Pledge. at: www.facebook.com/bupauk.
