What is health?Spec 5.1
In short
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. This is the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. It means someone can have no disease and still not be healthy, for example a person who is physically fit but severely stressed and isolated.
Health is not just about being free from illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
| Part of health | What it means | Example of it going wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Physical | The body is working properly and is free from disease | Having an infection such as tuberculosis |
| Mental | Being able to think clearly and cope with everyday life | Long-term anxiety or depression |
| Social | Having good relationships and a place in the community | Being isolated or lonely |
Someone can have no disease and still not be healthy by this definition. For example, a person who is physically fit but severely stressed and isolated is not in a state of complete well-being.
If you are asked for the WHO definition, include all three words: physical, mental and social. Missing one can cost you the mark.
Written and checked against the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science (1SC0) specification · Updated October 2026