Only 20 per cent of all annuities sold are enhanced for health or lifestyle reasons despite nearly a third of people at retirement age being obese, according to Just Retirement.

The importance of disclosing health issues is essential therefore, as people can obtain extra income through the enhanced annuity option.

Just Retirement chief medical adviser Dr Tim Crayford commented: “Someone who is overweight or obese is more likely to suffer from other health problems. Weight has a bearing on life expectancy so it is one of the factors that we take into account when calculating whether we can offer a higher income than a standard annuity.

“Anyone thinking of taking their pension should expect to be asked about their general health and lifestyle and about any treatment they are receiving. People can be embarrassed about talking about their weight but if they’re shopping for an annuity, they need to be totally honest,” he added.

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