Bradford Is One Of Britain’s Unhealthiest Cities – New Study Ranked

A recent Drug Testing Kits UK study examined unhealthy lifestyle habits across UK cities using eight weighted metrics. The research combined direct health indicators (obesity rates, smoking prevalence, and physical inactivity) with alcohol consumption patterns while also factoring in access to nutritionists and fast food search behavior. Each city received a final weighted composite score reflecting overall lifestyle health, with higher scores indicating less healthy patterns.

*You can find the full research here.

Leeds ranks first with a score of 100, as the most unhealthy UK city according to composite data. The city records a concerning 78% physical inactivity rate among adults, while obesity affects 64% of the population. Additionally, 26% of residents smoke, making it one of the worst cities for tobacco use.

Securing second place with a score of 98, Blackpool presents major health concerns. The city has a 72% obesity rate and limited nutrition professional access to only 6 per 100K residents. The city also has one of the highest frequent drinking rates, with 11% of adults consuming alcohol five or more days a week.

Coming in third, Liverpool scores 95. The city’s sedentary behavior reaches 73%, and at the same time, obesity prevalence impacts 67% of the population. Clinical data also indicates that 15% of residents exceed recommended alcohol intake thresholds.

Placed fourth, Bradford scores 94. It matches Leeds’ 26% smoking rate, making it one of the worst cities for tobacco use. 68% of residents are obese, and the city also has limited healthcare accessibility, with just 13 registered nutritionists available.

Kingston upon Hull is fifth with a score of 87. The city shows a 71% obesity rate, matching Luton’s levels, and has 11 nutritionists available. It also reports that 16% of adults exceed recommended alcohol units, the highest among the top five cities.

Landing in sixth with a score of 81, Mansfield faces significant health challenges. The city’s 25% smoking rate nearly matches Leeds and Bradford’s peaks, while obesity affects 67% of residents. Additionally, local healthcare access remains limited to 12 nutritionists.

Following in seventh with 78 points is Luton. The city matches Hull’s 71% obesity rate, while its 10 nutritionists – though triple Dudley’s number – fall short of population needs.

Positioned eighth with a score of 75, Wolverhampton displays problematic health patterns. The city leads in frequent drinking at 12%, surpassing Blackpool’s rate. At the same time, physical inactivity impacts 51% of adults.

Dudley is ninth with a score of 73. The city’s mere three nutritionists mark the lowest coverage across all cities, while its 72% obesity rate matches Blackpool’s concerning figure.

Rounding out the top ten with a score of 72, Wigan shows some health challenges. The city’s 70% obesity rate persists despite having 16 nutritionists – the highest coverage among the bottom five cities.

James Gunter – Sales Director at Drug Testing Kits UK, commented on the study:

“Healthcare access, lifestyle choices, and public health outcomes are deeply interconnected. High obesity rates persist even in areas with more nutritionists, suggesting accessibility alone isn’t enough. Physical inactivity strongly correlates with obesity, while higher alcohol consumption often aligns with sedentary lifestyles, compounding health risks. Fast food search trends don’t always match obesity rates, pointing to cultural and socioeconomic influences. Smoking clusters with other unhealthy behaviors, highlighting the need for targeted, culturally-aware interventions.”