(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sun 6th Jul, 2025) London, UK —
Selph Study Reveals UK Cities Nearing 'Blue Zone' Health Standards: Norwich Leads the Way
A recent survey conducted by the preventive healthcare firm Selph has unveiled Norwich as the pinnacle of health amongst UK cities, closely mirroring the lifestyle attributes found in the world-renowned ‘Blue Zones'. The study, which dove into the habits of 2,000 Britons across 17 key urban areas, sought to identify regions synonymous with extended lifespan and profound wellbeing, a notion made popular by longevity aficionado Dan Buttener and highlighted in the Netflix documentary “Secrets of the Blue Zones”.
In an era where the collective health of the UK populace seems to be on a descent, the concept of ‘Blue Zones'—areas globally acknowledged for their inhabitants' notably long lives due to beneficial environmental and lifestyle factors—offers a beacon of hope. However, the survey clarifies that while the UK harbours no official ‘Blue Zones', certain cities are edging closer to this idyllic lifestyle, with Nottingham and Southampton right on Norwich's heels.
Conversely, Liverpool landed at the bottom of the health spectrum. The findings disclose a disconcerting 10% of Liverpudlians reporting a complete absence of physical activity. Additionally, the city's drinking culture reveals 22% of its residents indulge in five to six alcoholic beverages per session, with a quarter engaging in this habit two to three times weekly.
Selph's research evaluated quintessential ‘Blue Zone' lifestyle elements, including diets rich in whole, plant-based foods, daily practices aimed at stress reduction, spontaneous physical activity, inherent measures against overconsumption, and a strong focus on family and intimate relationships.
In Norwich, a mere quarter of the populace indulges in Ultra Processed Foods (UPFs) just once per week, with nearly 20% abstaining from alcohol altogether. Should Norwich residents choose to drink, a substantial portion limits themselves to fewer than three beverages.
Turning to Nottingham, an impressive 47% of the citizenry commits to physical activity four to seven times weekly, with over half never having smoked or vaped. Southampton boasts similar health-conscious statistics, with nearly 70% of its inhabitants steering clear of smoking or vaping, and 30% partaking in UPFs merely two to three days per week.
The survey ranks the remaining cities as follows: Newcastle, Plymouth, Leeds, London, Belfast, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Sheffield, Brighton, Bristol, Cardiff, Manchester, Glasgow, and finally, Liverpool.
Dr Claire Merrifield, GP and medical director at Selph, commented on the findings, emphasising the essential nature of a health-centric lifestyle, characteristic of ‘Blue Zone' inhabitants, for both physical and mental wellbeing. She noted the stark contrast with the UK's prevalent work and wealth-first culture, underscoring the intrinsic link between low stress, prioritisation of health, and longevity present in ‘Blue Zones' worldwide, including Okinawa in Japan, Sardinia in Italy, Nicoya in Costa Rica, and Icaria in Greece.
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