EDINBURGH has been ranked as the UK’s healthiest city, according to a recent study.
Online doctors ZAVA undertook a study amid reports that reveal 64% of the British population is now classified as overweight or obese.
A 30% increase in searches for gym memberships compared to the same time last year suggests the nation appears to be struggling to take the first steps amid a push to embrace healthier lifestyles though.
With the place you live playing a big part in achieving a healthier lifestyle, ZAVA has now analysed factors like parks, gyms, outdoor routes and pollution to uncover the UK’s healthiest cities.
The results have now revealed that Edinburgh is in fact the healthiest city in the country, with a final score of 8.49/10.
Auld Reekie’s high score is driven by the city’s abundance of green spaces and low pollution levels.
The city boasts a whopping 1,765 parks – or 3.43 per 1,000 people – offering 75% more parks per capita than the second-healthiest city, Bristol.
The iconic Princes Street Gardens to Holyrood Park and everywhere in between offer the locals plenty of green spaces for outdoor activities, relaxation and exercise.
The city also seems to excel in healthy shopping, with 0.98 health-focused stores per 1,000 people, 22% more than the availability of counterpart Glasgow, making it a haven for health-conscious individuals.
And, whilst there are only 0.36 gyms per 1,000 people, the city’s extensive parkland and healthy store density help establish the Scottish capital as the UK’s healthiest urban environment.
With a pollution score of 4.95/10, the city also enjoys relatively clean air, further enhancing its appeal for active living.
Whilst aforementioned Bristol takes second place, with statistics such as 431 parks, 170 gyms and 0.51 walking trails per 1,000 people, Scotland incredibly makes up two of the top three thanks to the city in third place.
Glasgow ranks third with a total score of 8.2/10, standing out for its fitness facilities and green spaces.
The city has 38% more gyms than Edinburgh with 295 – or 0.46 per 1,000 people – whilst also offering 863 parks, which is 53% more than Bristol.
Its pollution score is higher than Edinburgh’s at 6.38, but Glasgow’s combination of parks, gyms and healthy stores makes it a strong contender for those seeking a health-conscious lifestyle in the heart of Scotland.
The other cities making up the top ten are Reading, Belfast, Southampton, Islington, Nottingham, London and Swansea.
Crystal Wyllie, a doctor at ZAVA, offers the following advice for those embarking on their health-focused New Year’s resolutions: “Starting the year with a focus on health can make a real difference to how you feel.
“The key is setting realistic, achievable goals, whether that’s finding time for outdoor activities, eating more balanced meals or making room for some mental relaxation in your busy schedule.
“Cities offer lots of parks, gyms, and health stores, making it easier to build wellness into your day-to-day.
“Places like Edinburgh show how cities can provide a mix of green spaces, fitness options and health resources that support an active lifestyle.
“With plenty of parks, gyms and healthy stores, these cities create the right environment for both physical and mental health.
“Consistency is the real game-changer. Small, simple changes that you can stick to over time will lead to lasting improvements.
“As we head into the new year, taking advantage of what’s around you and finding balance will help set the stage for a healthier, more fulfilling year ahead.”
