This year's annual report from the Chief Medical Officer looks at health in cities.

The report found that cities present a range of health opportunities and challenges for the large and diverse populations that live in them.

The report stated that often, areas of entrenched deprivation have the unhealthiest environments, including low healthy food choices and higher numbers of fast food outlets, air pollution and low quality housing. This contributes to health inequalities, with the least deprived living in good health for much longer than the most deprived.

The report also found that vaccination and screening uptake is lower and STI rates are higher in cities

Chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: "Cities provide great opportunities for a healthier life but many, especially in areas of deprivation, have poor access to healthy food choices, exercise and are exposed to air pollution. These are soluble problems.

"People move frequently within cities which contain a diversity of population groups - the health system must adapt to them, not the other way around. There are many older citizens living in cities and it is important they are supported to live healthier lives. Addressing the health challenges of cities require a broad range of actions from policymakers, the NHS and individual citizens."

In the report, Professor Whitty gives a series of recommendations to address health in cities. This includes action on risk factors such as obesity and air pollution, the food environment and healthcare service planning and delivery.