Manchester has been crowned Britain's healthiest city in new research as an impressive 72 per cent of residents maintaining physically active lifestyles.
The comprehensive study by Drug Testing Kits UK awarded Manchester an immaculate Wellbeing Environment Score of 100 out of 100, placing it at the top of rankings across 30 UK cities.
The northern powerhouse achieved its leading position despite 32 per cent of its population being classified as obese and 17 per cent identifying as smokers.
Manchester's success stems from excellent access to gyms, healthy restaurants, and green spaces, which researchers found helps balance out existing health risks.
Manchester's success stems from excellent access to gyms, healthy restaurants, and green spaces
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Belfast secured second place with a score of 98, boasting even higher physical activity levels at 75 per cent of adults staying active and a superior obesity rate of just 27 per cent.
Meanwhile the Northern Irish capital also recorded the cleanest air quality in the study with a score of 33.
Popular tourist hotspot Plymouth claimed third position with a score of 95, maintaining 60 per cent of adults in active lifestyles and a smoking rate of 16 per cent.
However, the seaside city's 29 per cent obesity rate provides a solid foundation for further public health improvements.
Oxford ranked fourth with a score of 94, distinguished by the lowest smoking rate in the entire UK at just seven per cent of adults.
The university city matched Manchester's impressive 72 per cent physical activity rate, although almost half (49 per cent) of residents are currently classified as obese.
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Bristol completed the top five with a score of 87, leading all cities in physical activity at 76 per cent of residents staying active.
The study employed a sophisticated Wellbeing Environment Score methodology to evaluate health conditions across Britain's major urban centres.
Drug Testing Kits UK analysed eight key metrics grouped into health baselines and wellness infrastructure categories to rank the 30 cities.
The comprehensive assessment included smoking prevalence, physical activity levels, air quality measurements, and availability of green spaces.
Researchers also examined access to healthy restaurants, gymnasiums, and spa facilities, with gym availability receiving double weighting in the final calculations.
The research has emerged against a disconcerting backdrop of deteriorating national health statistics
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The research has emerged against a disconcerting backdrop of deteriorating national health statistics, with UK heart disease deaths rising for the first time in 50 years, according to government data.
This alarming trend coincides with 28 per cent of British adults now being classified as obese, highlighting the urgent need for effective public health interventions.
Sales Director at Drug Testing Kits UK James Gunter said: "With UK heart disease deaths rising for the first time in decades, it's clear that cities play a bigger role in public health than ever before.
"This data shows that access to gyms, green spaces, and clean air can help offset poor lifestyle habits.
"When healthy choices are easier to make, people are more likely to stick with them, and that's where city design makes a measurable difference."
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