NEW FIGURES have shown that students at the University of Reading are among the healthiest in the UK.
Weight-loss experts from online pharmacy Chemist4U have shared data which ranks Reading’s students 12th most healthy in the country.
Chemist4U has created a health index using a number of factors including the number of healthy shops and parks within a one km radius, access to sports facilities, clubs and wellbeing support programmes, along with broader city-level indicators like happiness, anxiety scores and air pollution levels.
The University of Oxford topped the ranking, followed by University College London and Oxford Brookes in second and third.
The University of Reading ranked joint 12th with the University of Leeds, just behind Exeter, and just ahead of Nottingham.
It comes as a result of 18 nearby indoor sport facilities, and 30 outdoor sports facilities, as well as access to nearly 160 sports clubs and activities.
It also benefits from access to 29 parks and outdoor spaces, as well as a much lower pollution score compared to its co-rank Leeds, but sees fewer ‘healthy’ food shops within walking distance.
Jason Murphy, Head of Pharmacy and obesity expert at Chemist4U, said: “University can be a perfect storm for unhealthy habits, which is why many students find themselves gaining weight in their first year.
“With newfound independence, academic pressures, late-night study sessions and easy access to takeaways and cheaper Ultra Processed Foods, health often takes a back seat, but this is also a golden window to build good habits that stick for life.
“Start with the basics such as aiming for three balanced meals a day, keeping healthy snacks like fruits or nuts on hand and drink plenty of water to keep hydrated. Often, tiredness or hunger is just dehydration in disguise.
“Try cooking in batches once or twice a week so you’ve got go-to meals ready when you’re busy.
“When it comes to fitness, consistency beats intensity. 30 minutes of walking, stretching or a short gym session a few times a week is enough to make a difference.
“Exercise or sport can also be a great social outlet and help keep you motivated.”
He explained: “It’s about fitting health around student life, not overhauling everything overnight–universities should see health as foundational, not optional.
“That means creating accessible environments where healthy choices are the easy ones – more green space, better food options and varied, low-pressure ways for students to stay active.”
More information is available via: chemist-4-u.com
