This is the Healthiest City in the UK
When you think of the world’s healthiest places, you might picture Okinawa in Japan, or Sardinia in Italy – so-called 'Blue Zone' regions known for their high life expectancy and low rates of chronic disease. One place that might not immediately spring to mind?Norwich.
While the UK doesn’t yet have an official Blue Zone, a recent study has crowned the East Anglian capital as the healthiest city in Britain, thanks to healthy habits that mirror those of some of the world's health hotspots.
What Makes Norwich the Healthiest City in the UK?
According to a new study by the health experts at Selph – which polled 2,000 people across 17 major UK cities – Norwich has the most in common with Blue Zones when it comes to food, exercise, and lifestyle.
One key factor is the city’s eating habits. In Norwich, 24% of locals eat ultra-processed foods (UPFs) just once a week – far lower than the national average. Eating fewer UPFs is linked to a range of health benefits, including lower rates of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Beyond food, nearly 20% of Norwich residents don’t drink alcohol at all, and for those who do, 40% consume fewer than three drinks at a time. Such moderation is a common trait of Blue Zones, where low-to-moderate drinking is linked to better overall health and longevity.
The city also ranks highly for regular exercise, with 47% of people exercising four to seven days a week. Daily activity – not necessarily 'workouts', but a high level of daily movement – is another hallmark of Blue Zones.
The Other Healthiest Cities in the UK
Nottingham ranks second in the study. Nearly half of Nottingham residents exercise between four to seven days a week, with more than half of them never having smoked or vaped.
Southampton comes in third place, with 70% of residents having never smoked or vaped, and 30% eating UPFs only two to three times a week.
This is the Least Healthy City in the UK
On the other end of the spectrum, Liverpool ranks as the least healthy city in the UK. According to the study, one in ten people in Liverpool do not exercise at all. And when it comes to alcohol consumption, the city has some of the highest rates: 22% admit to drinking five to six drinks at a time, and a quarter of the population drinks two to three times a week.
What Makes Blue Zones So Healthy?
Dr Merrifield highlights the relatively low stress levels in Blue Zone regions. 'Essentially, people that live in Blue Zones have created a lifestyle that is centred around being healthy, both physically and mentally,' she says. 'It’s something that may seem far removed from our culture here in the UK, as most of us live an extremely fast-paced lifestyle – putting work and money first ahead of our own health and relationships. It’s not a coincidence that people living in these Blue Zone regions live longer because they are less stressed, and prioritise their health above all else.'
What Does This Mean For Us?
The Norwich model shows that it’s not about drastic changes, but small shifts in daily habits. Choose whole foods, prioritise movement, do all you can to reduce stress, and maintain strong social connections.
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