Smoking is a major cause of ill health

The report by Treasury adviser Derek Wanless is thought likely to cast doubt on the value of big initiatives to promote healthier lifestyles.

The study will make the case for stronger political leadership and urge a 20-year campaign to cut coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Working class lifestyles are likely to be blamed for health inequalities.

UK HEALTH INEQUALITIES: A woman born in Kensington and Chelsea has a life expectancy 6.8 years greater than one born in Manchester In 1997-9, male life expectancy at birth was 71.1 years for unskilled manual men versus 78.5 years for professionals "Why we need to improve public health"

The report is expected to focus on to poor diet, lack of exercise, and alcohol abuse.

It could signal a shift in emphasis by the government away from finding more efficient ways to deliver health care to focusing on how best to encourage individuals to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Mr Wanless told the BBC: "The report looks at the things that are causing people to get ill and what the government should try to do. But this will only work if people want it to."

"We have got to see a move from a sickness service - which is what the NHS is - through looking after chronic diseases well, to helping people stay in good health."

He is thought to favour strong action to reduce smoking rates, including possibly a workplace ban.

Wasteful campaigns

He may also put forward plans for a national framework for public health and a new national independent body to monitor the nation's health and provide information to people on managing their health.

The report is expected to be critical of existing targets to reduce health inequalities, on the grounds information is poor, and many are not achievable in the absence of other policy measures.

It is also reported Mr Wanless will criticise the way millions of pounds have been spent on public health education campaigns without any evidence they actually work.

Mr Wanless was commissioned to write the report by the government

His report, Securing Good Health for the Whole Population, will say that the onus for improving health must fall not just on the government, but on schools, and individuals themselves.

This is the second major report Mr Wanless, former group chief executive of NatWest Bank, has produced for the government.

In 2002, he was asked to assess the level of resources needed for the NHS to provide a comprehensive service.

He said a massive injection of cash was required over the next 20 years to meet patient demand - results used by Chancellor Gordon Brown to justify a hike in health service funds.

UNHEALTHY NATION: The average consumption of fruit and vegetables among adults in England is less than three portions a day. Recommended amount is five Less than two in five men do enough weekly physical activity Over one in five adults is obese. In 2001, 15% of 15 year olds were obese A quarter of men and a sixth of women drink more than the recommended safe level

Paul Burstow, Liberal Democrat health spokesman, said it was now time for ministers to deliver a "coherent and sustained public health strategy."

"The NHS is poorly equipped to lead the public health drive. We need a cross-government approach which harnesses the creative energies of the media and food industry, works with our schools and local councils, and supports parents," he said.

Tim Yeo, shadow secretary of state for health and education, said: "Since taking office in 1997, Labour has failed to give public health problems the priority they deserve.

"It is therefore not surprising that obesity rates have risen sharply, sexually-transmitted diseases have worsened and cases of TB have become more prevalent."

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the health watchdog the King's Fund, told the BBC: "Today's report is a wake up call, not just for the government, but for the whole of society.

"The government, until now, has concentrated very much on operations, on trying to cut waiting lists and waiting times.

"But we have a real public health crisis heading towards us, with rising obesity, too high smoking levels and really unhealthy lifestyles, and today's report should concentrate minds."