UK's 'loneliest city' confirmed after experts warn of serious risk to health

23 May 2023 , 10:17

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Loneliness is said to be as damaging as smoking to health (stock photo) (Image: Getty Images)

The loneliest city in the UK has been revealed, and far from being full of deserted streets and empty cafes, it actually houses a population of almost 9 million.

It turns out that London, the country's capital city, is the loneliest, according to new research by co-living brand, Gravity Co.

It claims that it's down to the high percentage of one-person households, specifically in the borough of Westminster.

While the hustle and bustle of living in the capital is an attractive prospect for many career-driven and sociable people, it's been proven to have an impact on mental health.

Recent studies have found that loneliness can be worse for a person's health than smoking, and it has been described as a 'silent killer' by mental health professionals.

London flat for rent for £1,400 a month with bed tucked away in kitchen cupboard

Studies have found links between loneliness and poor physical and psychological health (stock photo) (Getty Images)

Liverpool has the second-highest proportion of one-person households, with a third living alone in the Riverside area.

Birmingham has 31 percent of residents in Ladywood living alone and Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield city centre also made it into the top 10.

High levels of student accommodation in these areas may be partly behind the figures, but cities also more commonly have a large number of one-bedroom apartment blocks compared to towns.

Leeds ranked in the top five cities with the highest proportion of one-person households (stock photo) (Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The loneliest cities in the UK ranked:

1. London and Westminster
2. Liverpool, Riverside
3. Birmingham, Ladywood
4. Kensington
5. Leeds Central
6. Manchester Central
7. Sheffield Central
8. Bermondsey and Old Southwark
9. Islington South and Finsbury
10. Holborn and St Pancras
11. Westminster North
12. Hammersmith
13. Poplar and Limehouse
14. Chelsea and Fulham
15. Vauxhall
16. Nottingham East
17. Islington North
18. Hackney South and Shoreditch
19. Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
20. Hampstead and Kilburn

Manchester made it into the top 10 loneliest cities alongside Birmingham and Sheffield (stock photo) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Despite living and working alongside thousands of people, a city's rat-race lifestyle can often lead to people feeling even more isolated.

This month, US surgeon general Vivek Murthy released an advisory note outlining how loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.

He described how "loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being".

He added: "Our individual relationships are an untapped resource - a source of healing hiding in plain sight. They can help us live healthier, more productive, and more fulfilled lives."

Do you live in one of these cities and struggle with loneliness? Email [email protected].

Nia Dalton