Leeds named the unhealthiest city in Britain due to high obesity and smoking rates

A recent study has identified Leeds as the unhealthiest city in the UK, based on a range of lifestyle and health indicators.

According to research conducted by Drug Testing Kits UK, Leeds has the highest levels of obesity, smoking prevalence, and physical inactivity in the country. The study analysed unhealthy lifestyle habits across UK cities and towns using eight key metrics, including direct health indicators such as obesity rates, smoking prevalence, and levels of physical activity. Alcohol consumption patterns, access to nutritionists, and fast food search behaviour were also considered.

Each location was assigned a final score, with higher numbers indicating more unhealthy lifestyle patterns. Leeds, with a score of 100, was found to have the lowest percentage of physically active adults in the UK. A staggering 78 per cent of adults in the city lead inactive lifestyles, while obesity affects 64 per cent of the population. In addition, Leeds has the highest percentage of smokers in the UK, with 26 per cent of residents smoking.

Following closely behind in second place is Blackpool, with a score of 98. The seaside town has an obesity rate of 72 per cent and is one of the heaviest drinking cities in the UK, with 11 per cent of adults consuming alcohol five or more days a week. Moreover, only six nutrition professionals are available per 100,000 residents.

Liverpool ranks third with a score of 95. Clinical data reveals that 15 per cent of residents exceed recommended alcohol intake limits, and 73 per cent lead sedentary lifestyles.

Bradford places fourth with a score of 94, matching Leeds’ smoking rate at 26 per cent. The city also has limited access to nutritionists, with just 13 registered professionals available, and 68 per cent of its residents are classified as obese.

Kingston upon Hull ranks fifth with a score of 87. The city has fewer nutritionists than Bradford, with only 11 available. It also has a higher obesity rate, at 71 per cent. Furthermore, 16 per cent of residents exceed recommended alcohol intake levels, making it the highest among the top five cities.

The findings highlight the urgent need for public health initiatives to address high obesity and smoking rates in these cities. Increased access to nutritionists, public health campaigns, and community fitness programmes could help improve overall health and well-being in these areas.