Research by The Independent Pharmacy has evaluated almost 420 high streets across the UK in a bid to identify those with a concentration of unhealthy options.
Each high street analysed measures at least 700m in length, supported by data from Ordnance Survey.
Unhealthy high streets have been defined as those with a high count of takeaways, pubs, sweet shops, and vape outlets.
Each high street has been scored out of 100; the higher the score, the greater the unhealthy rating.
Brentwood’s High Street has landed it at tenth place in the top ten of the UK’s unhealthiest roads.
High Street is home to 16 takeaways, nine pubs and bars, five sweet shops and three vape stores.
There are two gyms along this stretch, Pure Gym and Better Gym.
High Street was given an overall rating of 79.75, just .02 away from Lower Addiscombe Road in Croydon which placed at ninth.
According to The Independent Pharmacy, the figures show that commuter towns outside of London “aren’t immune”, with the result for Brentwood particularly “stark”.
The online pharmacy and doctor service claims that 27.3 per cent of residents in the town are classed as obese, “the highest rate in the top ten” unhealthiest UK high streets.
Dr Donald Grant, clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, said: “Where we live often defines how we live. High streets should support healthy decisions, not make them harder.
“In many towns, the unhealthy option isn’t just available, it’s unavoidable. Communities dominated by takeaways and alcohol outlets face higher risks of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
“It’s not that people don’t understand the risks; it’s that their surroundings make the healthy choice the hardest one to make.
“Britain’s health is being shaped not only in hospitals or GP surgeries, but on the pavements of its high streets.”
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We contacted Brentwood Council for a response to the report.
Cllr Dr Tim Barrett, chair of its housing, health and community committee, said: “Creating healthier communities is a priority for our borough, but decisions must be grounded in independent, evidence-based research.
“While this report highlights important issues and raises awareness, comprehensive public health studies are essential to ensure policies are grounded in credible evidence.”
