Last week's health white paper revealed plans for new NHS health checks which will be offered to all British people.

In the check-ups, dubbed medical MoTs, patients will be told how likely they are to develop certain illnesses based on tests taken at critical stages in their lives, such as becoming pregnant and reaching the age of 50. Patients will have the option to carry out the checks online.

After the tests those who are most at risk will be given personal trainers and targets for exercise and diet regimes to improve the state of their health.

It will not be compulsory for patients to take the tests and they will not be penalised if set targets are not met.

Periodic health checks were one of the top requests made by people surveyed in citizens' juries where the public give feedback on health services.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "Life checks will look at your lifestyle and the medical history of your family. It will examine your diet, smoking habits and weight. If you are high-risk, there will be a follow-up."

The tests are part of attempts to make the NHS more preventative than responsive to illness.