A UK city has been named the hardest place for locals to live healthily, according to a recent report by the Department of Health & Social Care. The report underscores the profound connection between our health and the environments we inhabit, revealing that factors such as access to nutritious food, green spaces, healthcare services, and opportunities for physical activity are heavily influenced by geographic location.
Communities facing socioeconomic challenges often contend with higher rates of obesity, chronic illness, and mental health issues due to limited resources and infrastructure that support healthy living. The report emphasises that improving public health requires not only individual lifestyle changes but also systemic efforts to create healthier, more equitable living conditions across the UK.
Medical experts at ZAVA sought to investigate exactly where it is hardest to live a healthy lifestyle in England. Their study combines data on obesity rates, fast food density, and green space access to reveal where healthy living is a breeze—and where it’s an uphill battle.
### Wolverhampton: The Hardest Place to Live Healthily
Wolverhampton has secured the top spot with a health deprivation score of 8.04/10. Located in the West Midlands, the city faces a complex web of challenges that make healthy living particularly difficult for its residents.
– 31 percent of adults are classified as obese.
– 34 percent of residents report no regular physical activity.
– The city ranks among the worst in England for inactivity.
These statistics reflect a broader struggle with lifestyle-related health issues. Compounding the problem is the high density of fast food outlets: 14 for every 10,000 people. This creates an environment where unhealthy eating is not only accessible but often more convenient than nutritious alternatives.
### Other Cities Facing Health Challenges
Second on the list is Stoke-on-Trent, with a score of 7.65/10. Despite excellent green space access—98 percent of residents live within walking distance of parks—Stoke-on-Trent struggles with an obesity crisis. The city has the second-highest obesity rate in England at 35 percent.
– There are 10 fast food outlets per 10,000 people.
– Nearly one in three adults (31 percent) remains physically inactive.
### Top 10 Hardest Places to Live Healthily in England
1. Wolverhampton
2. Stoke-on-Trent
3. Bradford
4. Sunderland
5. Doncaster
6. Derby
7. Portsmouth
8. Canterbury
9. Wakefield
10. Salford
The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted public health strategies that address environmental and socioeconomic barriers to healthy living. Creating communities that support nutritious diets, physical activity, and access to healthcare will be crucial in improving health outcomes across the UK.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2115428/uk-city-hardest-locals-live-healthy