The rise of fast food outlets in England has become a pressing issue, with certain areas experiencing a significant increase in their numbers over the past few years. According to recent data from the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Camden in north London has taken the top spot as the area with the highest number of fast food outlets per capita in England. In 2024, Camden was estimated to have a staggering 417 fast food outlets for every 100,000 people, more than double the number recorded in 2017. This dramatic rise has pushed Camden to the forefront of a growing trend that has health experts and local authorities concerned about the implications for public health, particularly in deprived areas.
The data reveals that Camden has overtaken Bury in Greater Manchester, which previously held the top position with 256 outlets per 100,000 people in 2017. Neighboring Westminster has secured the second spot, with 248 outlets per 100,000 people, followed closely by Blackpool and Southwark. Manchester also makes it into the top five, while Hackney in east London has seen a significant increase, jumping from 58th place in 2017 to ninth in 2024 with 166 outlets per 100,000 people. Liverpool has also entered the top 10, with 175 outlets per 100,000 people, further highlighting the concentration of fast food establishments in urban centers.
At the other end of the spectrum, Wokingham in Berkshire continues to have the fewest fast food outlets, with just 39 per 100,000 people, reflecting a different dietary and lifestyle landscape in more affluent areas. Other areas, such as Hartlepool and Darlington, have seen notable declines in the number of fast food outlets, suggesting local efforts to promote healthier eating habits. However, the overall trend across England points to a troubling imbalance, with deprived areas having more than twice the number of fast food outlets per capita compared to the least deprived areas. This disparity raises questions about access to healthy food options and the broader social determinants of health.
The increase in fast food outlets has sparked strong reactions from health advocates, who argue that these establishments are contributing to a public health crisis. Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, described the findings as “infuriating,” accusing fast food companies of “eroding healthy eating opportunities.” Her comments highlight the growing concern that the proliferation of fast food outlets is exacerbating obesity rates and other diet-related health issues, particularly in areas where residents may have fewer resources to access healthier alternatives.
In response to these criticisms, Camden Council has defended its position, emphasizing that the area is a “world-famous tourist hotspot” where visitors often “grab food on the go” before or after nights out or traveling home from the city. While acknowledging the challenges posed by the high concentration of fast food outlets, the council also pointed to its efforts to support residents in accessing healthy food and maintaining balanced diets. These initiatives include community food projects and food-growing programs, which aim to empower residents to make healthier choices despite the ubiquity of fast food options.
The debate over fast food outlets underscores a broader societal challenge: the interplay between food environments, economic conditions, and public health outcomes. While areas like Camden and Westminster continue to attract tourists and thrive as hubs of activity, the concentration of fast food outlets in these locations raises important questions about the impact on residents and visitors alike. As England grapples with rising obesity rates and other diet-related health issues, the findings from the OHID serve as a call to action for policymakers, health advocates, and local communities to address the systemic factors driving these trends and to promote healthier food environments for all.
