Wolverhampton named UK’s Hardest City to Stay Healthy

Think you can outsmart unhealthy habits?

A new study suggests your postcode may be working against you, with some UK cities making wellness harder than expected.

ZAVA analysed 46 English cities, combining obesity rates, fast food density, green space access, and physical activity levels to reveal where residents struggle most to stay healthy.

The results highlight a clear North-South divide, with former industrial towns in Northern England facing higher obesity, lower activity levels, and widespread fast food saturation.

Wolverhampton ranks as the hardest city to live healthily, scoring 8.04 out of 10.

One in three adults is obese, while 34% get no regular exercise.

Although most residents can access green spaces, the city has 14 fast food outlets per 10,000 people, creating easy opportunities for unhealthy eating.

Stoke-on-Trent takes second place with a score of 7.65.

Despite 98% of residents living near parks, the city faces England’s second-highest obesity rate at 35%.

With 10 fast food outlets per 10,000 people and nearly one in three adults inactive, Stoke-on-Trent highlights how green space access does not always guarantee good health.

Bradford sits third with a score of 7.51.

The West Yorkshire city has 25 fast food outlets per 10,000 residents, more than double nearby Sheffield.

Alongside a 31% obesity rate and high inactivity, Bradford shows how local food environments can shape health outcomes even between cities in the same region.

Sunderland ranks fourth with a 7.16 score, facing a 33% obesity rate and 14 fast food outlets per 10,000 people.

Nearly 30% of residents remain inactive.

Doncaster follows in fifth place with England’s highest obesity rate at 38% and 28 fast food outlets per 10,000 people.

Thirty per cent of adults get no exercise.

In stark contrast, Sheffield, located nearby, ranks 22 places better with significantly lower obesity and half as many fast food outlets, showing clear regional health disparities.

At the other end of the rankings, Southern cities and university towns dominate, benefiting from healthier lifestyles, fewer fast food outlets, and stronger levels of physical activity.

Cambridge leads as the UK’s healthiest city with a score of 1.02. Only 16.1% of residents are obese, and just 13.7% remain inactive.

Oxford follows closely with the lowest fast food density in England at just 8.5 outlets per 10,000 people, alongside excellent green space access and low obesity rates.

Bristol ranks third with wide green space access despite a 20.3% obesity rate.

Crystal Wyllie, medical expert at ZAVA, said: “Cities like Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent represent real people struggling with obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues.”

She added: “Forecasts suggest the average UK adult BMI could rise to 27.8 by 2030, while childhood obesity rates are also climbing due to socioeconomic factors.”

Wyllie advised residents to focus on controllable factors.

She recommended choosing active transport, seeking green spaces, making healthier food choices, and using online healthcare services for early intervention.

The findings reveal how geography can shape health outcomes.

While some areas thrive, others face uphill battles, leaving many residents fighting against environmental barriers to wellness.