The abrdn Financial Fairness Trust survey also revealed that 9.6 million Britons are classified as living in serious financial difficulties.

Within this group, one in five said they had not eaten for a whole day, at least three times during the last month, 82% were not able to afford a healthy diet at least once in the last month, 45% were delaying dental treatments, while 18% said they could not afford medication or medical equipment.

The sacrifices were made as a direct result of needing to cut back on spending to save money.

The poll results form the basis of The Financial Fairness Tracker, commissioned by the Trust and analysed by a team at the University of Bristol. The Trust has been monitoring the personal finances of around 6,000 households since the start of the pandemic.

Many indicators of wellbeing which affect physical and mental health are lower than at the start of the pandemic, notes the Trust. Of those in serious financial difficulties, 61% of households reported not being able to keep their home warm and comfortable in the last six months. Similar numbers said they were cutting back on social interaction with friends and family (64%) and participating less in hobbies and pastimes (61%).

Skipping meals to make ends meet

Cost-cutting among households has now become common practice with only 26% of households not having taken measures to cut back.

Of those surveyed, over the last six months:
• 49% have cut back on eating out and takeaways
• 46% are shopping at cheaper supermarkets/bought cheaper food products
• 35% have not booked holidays or breaks away

Mubin Haq, CEO of abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, said: “The cost-of-living crisis is having a serious impact on decisions millions are making about their health. Short-term cost savings are likely to have long-lasting consequences to the nation’s health. This is a high price to pay and could have knock-on effects on the labour market with people being unable to work due to poor health.”

Sue Davies, Which? head of food policy, added: “These worrying findings echo Which?’s own research that found millions of desperate households are having no choice but to turn to more extreme measures such as skipping meals in order to make ends meet.

“Supermarkets need to step up and do more to help their customers. They must ensure everyone has access to affordable, healthy food – particularly in areas where people most need support. Retailers should also make sure their pricing is clear so people can easily work out which items offer value, and the government must move quickly with its review of pricing rules.”