There has been a rise in binge drinking and a decrease in the numbers meeting physical activity guidelines, according to a new survey.
The Health Ireland Survey was conducted on 7,400 people over the age of 15.
This year for the first time, the annual survey looked at the impact of Covid-19 and Long Covid.
7% of respondents reported experiencing symptoms of Long Covid (defined as symptoms that continue for four months or more), with 3% receiving a Long Covid diagnosis.
Overall the survey found that 81% of respondents reported their general health to be 'good' or 'very good.'
However, it did highlight some areas of concern.
Alcohol consumption within the previous 12 months has risen from 70% to 73%, but remains lower than the 75% reported in 2018.
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There has also been an increase in the numbers who are considered binge drinkers - defined as drinking six or more standard drinks - rising from 24% last year to 28% this year.
Just 41% of people report meeting the national guidelines for being moderately active for at least 150 minutes a week. That is a reduction from the 46% recorded in 2019.
However, walking is not included in that calculation and more than 60% of people report walking for ten minutes or more at least five days a week.
The survey results also show a rise in the numbers consuming sugar-sweetened drinks at least once a week from 29% in 2019 to 32% this year.
There was also a small reduction in the numbers eating fruit and vegetables daily, while just 28% eat the recommended five or more portions per day.
The number of smokers continues to decline with 17% of respondents saying they smoked, down from 18% last year.
The number of people identifying as carers continues to rise - from 9% in 2015 to 14% in 2024.
The proportion of people that have visited a GP are at their highest level since first reported in 2015, with 79% reporting visiting a GP in the previous 12 months with an average of just over four visits per person.
Interim Chief Medicial Officer Mary Horgan said this reflects the growing needs of an ageing population but also noted that eligibility for GP visit cards has been expanded.
