Two Scottish cities have been named as the healthiest in Great Britain, with one taking the top spot on the list.
National Obesity Awareness Week, which is currently underway, shines a spotlight on wellness, health remains a top priority for many Brits. With 30 million people making New Year’s resolutions, 28 percent focused on improving their well-being, the desire for a healthier lifestyle is surging.
Supporting this trend, Google search data reveals a 30 percent increase in searches for “gym memberships” this January compared to last year. A new study by ZAVA has crowned Edinburgh as the UK’s healthiest city, with Glasgow securing a strong third-place finish.
The research considered factors like parks, gyms, outdoor routes, and pollution to determine which cities promote the healthiest lifestyles. Taking the top spot as the healthiest city in the UK, Edinburgh scores an impressive 8.49/10.
The city is celebrated for its abundance of parks, 1,765 in total (3.43 per 1,000 people), which is 75 percent more per capita than Bristol, the second-place city.
Iconic green spaces like Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park offer endless opportunities for outdoor exercise and relaxation against the stunning backdrop of Arthur’s Seat and Edinburgh Castle. Edinburgh also excels in healthy shopping, with 0.98 health-focused stores per 1,000 people—22 percent more than Glasgow.
Although the city has fewer gyms (0.36 per 1,000 people), its cleaner air (pollution score of 4.95) and extensive parklands make it a haven for wellness enthusiasts.
Ranking third overall with a score of 8.20/10, Glasgow shines as the UK’s fitness capital. The city boasts 295 gyms, the highest of any city on the list, offering 38 percent more fitness facilities than Edinburgh and 42 percent more than Bristol, making Glasgow a prime destination for fitness enthusiasts.
In addition to its impressive gym density (0.46 gyms per 1,000 people), Glasgow offers 863 parks (1.36 per 1,000 people), providing residents with plentiful green spaces for outdoor activities.
While the city’s pollution score is higher (6.38), its combination of fitness options, parks, and healthy amenities cements Glasgow’s status as a vibrant, health-conscious city in the heart of Scotland.
Top 10 healthiest UK cities
*Higher pollution score equals worse pollution
Bristol is second with 170 gyms across the city
Coming in second with a score of 8.36/10, Bristol is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The city boasts 431 parks (0.89 per 1,000 people) and 0.51 walking trails per 1,000 people, 70 percent more than London.
Bristol also has a thriving fitness culture with 170 gyms, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay active.
While its pollution score of 7.66 is higher than Edinburgh’s, its diverse health amenities and vibrant community make it a top contender.
Swansea rounds off the top ten list
Rounding out the top ten is Swansea, scoring 7.58. Although it offers fewer parks (88 in total, or 0.36 per 1,000 people), Swansea compensates with the highest density of walking trails (1.11 per 1,000 people) on the list.
Its abundance of outdoor routes makes it an ideal spot for walking, running, or cycling, even as its pollution score (7.72) lags behind other cities.
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.”
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