Regular checkups and visits to the doctor are important for maintaining better well being. But effective diagnosis also requires being completely honest about lifestyle choices.

A study has revealed that about 80 per cent people lie to their doctors about how often they exercise, how much the drink, what they eat and whether they smoke. People hide lifestyle choices mainly because they cared about what the doctor said and didn’t want to be lectured.

A third of all people also don’t speak up or ask questions even if they disagree with something the doctor says. People don’t want to be judged and pigeonholed as someone making bad decisions.

Most people admitted to holding back at least one medically relevant detail even as it was often something of little importance or wasn’t something to be ashamed of.