UK city named the healthiest in Britain and London is nowhere near the top
UK city named the healthiest in Britain and London is nowhere near the top
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Despite its endless juice shops and yoga studios, the Big Smoke has failed to make it into the top five healthiest cities in the UK. With government figures revealing a whopping 64 per cent of adults aged 18 and over in England are either overweight or living with obesity, encouraging the public to stay healthy is essential.
But where you live can make all the difference. The number of parks, gyms, walking trails, health stores a city has, as well as air pollution levels, all contribute to how accessible exercising and following a balanced diet can be. Health experts over at ZAVA have therefore analysed all of these factors and ranked each city out of a final score of 10. Surprisingly, London only managing to scoop 7.66 - pipped by the likes of Nottingham, Islington, Bristol, and Glasgow. However, it was Edinburgh that topped the league tables with an impressive score of 8.49.
The Scottish capital was hailed for having an 'abundance of green spaces and low pollution levels' along with a staggering 1,765 parks - making a simple stroll in the evening accessible for many. "From the iconic Princes Street Gardens to the serene Holyrood Park, these green spaces provide ample outdoor activities, relaxation, and exercise against the stunning backdrop of Edinburgh Castle and Arthur's Seat," Zava said in a statement sent to the Mirror.
Edinburgh also has a slew of 'health-focused stores' and 'relatively clean air' compared to other cities. Dr Crystal Wyllie says this mix of 'green spaces, fitness options and health resources' all support an 'active lifestyle'. "With plenty of parks, gyms and healthy stores, these cities create the right environment for both physical and mental health," She added.
