The unhealthiest town in the UK has been revealed, with more preventable deaths than anywhere else in the country. Private healthcare provider Numan revealed that Blackpool, in Lancashire, has been forecast to have the highest number of preventable deaths in 2026.
Per 1,000 residents, a total of 54.86 years is expected to be lost due to lifestyle, vaccine, and infection-related health issues. Based on local trends, 6,485 deaths in 2026 are considered preventable through modifiable lifestyle factors such as smoking, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity. In addition, 765 deaths are forecasted to be attributable to limited access to vaccines that protect against illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and pneumonia. Coming in second place is Gateshead, in Tyne and Wear. For every 1,000 residents, 42.37 years of life are expected to be lost to largely avoidable causes. Gateshead is projected to experience a total of 7,628 preventable lifestyle-related deaths.
Cumberland, in the northwest, came in third place with 41.91 years of life lost per 1,000 people due to preventable health factors.
It got the highest total number of preventable lifestyle-related deaths, with 10,423 forecasted deaths in 2026. Vaccine-preventable deaths are significantly lower at 351 projected for 2026, but remain double the national average (186).
“A long and healthy life shouldn’t cost you a fortune. Despite socio-economic background, people should have equal access to health and preventative care,” says Zoe Griffiths, VP behavioural medicine expert at Numan.
With this in mind, she has suggested five affordable ways to support longevity at home. The first is to move regularly, with gentle mobility improving circulation, joint health, and mood.
For diet, Griffiths recommended reducing alcohol and processed food intake, focusing instead on hydration and whole foods. She added that sleep and stress management are crucial, supporting immune function, memory and hormone balance.
And finally, the importance of social and mental stimulation. Social connection and lifelong learning, such as hobbies, reading groups, and community activities, are linked with lower dementia risk and better emotional wellbeing.
