As the UK is enthused by a summer filled with sport, from the Euros to the Olympics and Paralympics, to take up new sports, join fitness clubs or just be healthier, new data shows the reality is that general health and wellbeing, and interest in exercise, varies wildly across regions.

Yorkshire & Humber is the region with the highest healthy BMI (45%).
Londoners are mostly likely to spend money on gym membership (17%).
Only a third (33%) of people in Wales report having a healthy BMI.

From Jessica Ennis Hill inspiring athletes in Sheffield to Rebecca Adlington motivating swimmers in the East Midlands, as the region’s most successful Olympian, major sports events have a history of inspiring fresh involvement in sport. However, The STADA Health Report 2024 reveals a stark contrast in health and exercise habits across the nation. While 60% of Brits report being in good health, significant regional disparities emerge, particularly when it comes to having a healthy BMI and taking exercise.

BMI battleground: Yorkshire leads, Wales lags

The STADA Health Report 2024 paints a diverse picture of the nation’s BMI landscape. Yorkshire & Humber emerges victorious with the highest percentage of residents reporting a healthy BMI (45%), with London matching this impressive figure. However, the scales tip dramatically towards the negative for the Welsh where only 33% say they have a healthy BMI.

Healthy BMI across the UK:

Yorkshire & Humber (45%)
London (45%)
West Midlands (42%)
East Midlands (41%)
South West (41%)
South East (40%)
North West (39%)
Scotland (38%)
North East (37%)
East of England (36%)
Northern Ireland (35%)
Wales (33%)

Gym bunnies vs. budget balancers

Londoners are flexing their financial muscle, with the Capital having the highest percentage of people spending on gym memberships (17%), which is no surprise, given London regularly ranks highest when it comes to gross disposable income.

Despite being the healthiest in the BMI rankings, people in the Yorkshire & Humber appear to be cashing in on a Yorkshire stereotype, keeping hold of their money rather than blowing it on the gym, with only 5% splurging on fitness facilities. Or maybe they’ve just been inspired by the Brownlee brothers to make the most of the natural landscape for exercise?

High spending on the gym across the UK
London (17%)
Scotland (10%)
East of England (9%)
North East (9%)
Wales (9%)
North West (8%)
South East (8%)
South West (8%)
Northern Ireland (8%)
East Midlands (6%)
West Midlands (5%)
Yorkshire & Humber (5%)

London leaps ahead, Wales falls behind

Londoners seem to be taking the gold in the health Olympics, with more of them reporting they are in good health (69%) than any other region and also exercising regularly (65%). Sadly, Wales is falling behind, ranking lowest in exercising for wellbeing (51%) and healthy BMI (33%).

These findings resonate with Sport England’s Active Lives Adult Survey, highlighting that lower socio-economic groups are most likely to be inactive (33%). With Wales also ranking second lowest in the UK for disposable income, the correlation between financial resources and health habits becomes clear.

Exercise for wellbeing:

London (65%)
Northern Ireland (64%)
North East (62%)
Yorks & Humber (61%)
South West (61%)
East of England (59%)
East Midlands (59%)
Scotland (59%)
South East (58%)
North West (55%)
West Midlands (53%)
Wales (51%)

Eating habits: A regional divide

The report also uncovers regional differences in dietary habits. While the national average for healthy eating stands at 60%, some regions are leading the charge towards a balanced diet. The North East tops the charts with 66% reporting healthy eating habits, followed closely by Scotland at 65%. Conversely, East of England lags with only 55% prioritising a nutritious diet.