From obesity to inactivity, geography is emerging as a major factor in employee health. New research shows that cities in Northern England are significantly harder places to stay healthy compared to Southern and university towns, and that it may be quietly undermining workplace wellbeing and productivity.
A study by healthcare provider ZAVA analysed obesity levels, access to green space, fast food density and physical inactivity across English cities. It found that Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, and Bradford are the most challenging places for healthy living, while Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol ranked best.
Dr Crystal Wyllie, a medical expert at ZAVA, said the figures reflect more than just statistics. “As healthcare professionals, we’re seeing firsthand how environmental factors directly impact patient outcomes,” she said.
“Cities like Wolverhampton and Stoke-on-Trent aren’t just statistics; they represent real people struggling with obesity-related conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues that could be prevented with better urban planning.”
The findings coincide with rising employer concerns about employee wellbeing, absenteeism and how external factors — including postcode — shape health risks across the workforce.
The Hardest Cities to Stay Healthy
According to ZAVA’s health challenge scores, the five most difficult cities for healthy living in 2025 are:
- Wolverhampton – One in three adults (31%) is obese and 34% are physically inactive.
- Stoke-on-Trent – Obesity affects 35% of adults, despite excellent access to green space.
- Bradford – Home to 25 fast food outlets per 10,000 people — more than double that of Sheffield.
- Sunderland – Has a 33% obesity rate and 14 fast food outlets per 10,000 residents.
- Doncaster – The highest obesity rate in England at 38%, with 28 fast food outlets per 10,000 people.
These cities also show elevated inactivity levels and limited access to green space for some residents. The data suggests environmental and socioeconomic factors are working against efforts to maintain good health.
Where It’s Easiest to Stay Healthy
By contrast, the top-performing cities combine lower obesity with high green space access and fewer fast food outlets:
- Cambridge – England’s healthiest city, with just 16.1% obesity and 13.7% inactivity.
- Oxford – Lowest fast food density in England, with just 8.5 outlets per 10,000 residents.
- Bristol – Less than 1% of people lack nearby green space, and 81% are physically active.
Experts say they demonstrate how urban planning and community design can support healthier lifestyles.
Why Location Matters for Employers
For employers, the findings raise important questions. Staff in areas with high obesity, limited access to green space, and greater exposure to fast food face different health pressures than colleagues in more supportive environments.
Poor local health outcomes can affect energy levels, absenteeism and engagement at work, even when employees have the same job roles. Employers with multi-site operations or hybrid teams should be especially aware of these regional differences.
ZAVA forecasts that the average UK adult BMI could rise to 27.8 by 2030, and childhood obesity is also increasing. The organisation warns that early habits and local infrastructure play a critical role in long-term health.
How Employers Can Respond
While companies cannot control urban infrastructure, they can adapt support based on employee location. Experts recommend:
- Wellbeing audits – Identify geographic health risks across sites or teams
- Tailored support – Offer wellbeing resources that reflect local environments, e.g. walking groups or online fitness sessions where gyms are scarce
- Accessible nutrition guidance – Share easy, practical resources on meal planning, hydration and movement
- Flexible scheduling – Encourage breaks, active commuting, and use of local parks
- Anonymous surveys – Ask staff if where they live impacts their ability to stay active and eat well
By acknowledging that wellbeing is influenced by postcode, not just personal choice, observers say employers can design better support systems, and bridge some of the country’s health divide.