VocabularyJuly 5, 2026 · 6 min read

IELTS Health Vocabulary: Words, Collocations, and Essay Phrases

Health and healthcare appear frequently in IELTS. Here are the essential vocabulary items for Writing Task 2, Reading, and Speaking Part 3.


Health is among the top five most frequent IELTS topics. Whether the question is about healthcare systems, obesity, mental health, or the relationship between lifestyle and wellbeing, having precise health vocabulary helps you write and speak with confidence.

Core Health Vocabulary

  • sedentary lifestyle — a way of life involving very little physical activity: "Sedentary lifestyles are a primary driver of rising obesity rates."
  • preventive healthcare — treatment or behaviour aimed at preventing illness: "Investment in preventive healthcare reduces long-term costs."
  • mental wellbeing — psychological health and happiness: "Workplace policies should actively support employee mental wellbeing."
  • healthcare infrastructure — the systems and facilities that deliver healthcare: "Developing nations often lack adequate healthcare infrastructure."
  • non-communicable disease — illness not spread between people (e.g. diabetes, heart disease): "Non-communicable diseases now account for the majority of global deaths."

Key Collocations

  • address / tackle / combat obesity
  • strain on healthcare systems / burden on public health
  • promote healthy lifestyles / encourage physical activity
  • access to medical care / healthcare provision
  • deteriorating mental health / declining wellbeing

Essay Phrases for Health Topics

  • "Poor dietary habits and physical inactivity have contributed significantly to the global rise in obesity."
  • "Governments have a responsibility to create environments that facilitate healthier choices."
  • "The rising prevalence of mental health disorders reflects broader societal pressures."
  • "Universal access to healthcare remains an aspiration rather than a reality in many parts of the world."

Related Guides

Environment vocabulary · Technology vocabulary · Problem-solution essays

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