A new study has found more people are using AI to self-diagnose illness, as well as to seek health advice.

The survey found 38 per cent of people use AI to get lifestyle and wellbeing advice, such as diet, fitness and stress management and 20 per cent also use it for mental health support and coping strategies.

The survey, commissioned by confused.com, was based on a sample of 2,000 people and found that 59 per cent of respondents are self-diagnosing health issues with AI, and 35 per cent said they're likely to try it in future. 

With average waiting times to see a GP currently 19 days, people are looking for alternative ways to get health advice, including taking out gym memberships which offer access to virtual GPs.

Main health searches include symptom checks, side effects of medical conditions and treatment options.

The wait for an appointment is driving the habit: 50 per cent of 25-34-year-olds and 51 per cent of 35-44-year-olds don’t like to take any risks with timings and believe self-diagnosis online is a faster way to respond than waiting for a doctor. 

Twenty four per cent feel more comfortable not having to speak face to face with a health professional, especially those aged 18-24, where this number rose to almost two-fifths (39 per cent).

The Guardian has flagged the dangers of using AI for health advice with an investigation by the newspaper finding that AI overviews sometimes provide inaccurate and false information, putting users at risk of harm.