People living in deprived areas are more likely to be obese, according to a new study.

The British Medical Journal study of obesity levels across Europe finds a link between people’s place of residence and their weight and activity levels.

People living in the country are three times more likely to take exercise and 40 per cent less likely to be obese than city dwellers, the report reveals.

In particular, obesity in the city was connected to areas where “incivilities” prevailed, such as the dropping of litter or spraying graffiti. The report finds people were 50 per cent less likely to be physically active in such areas.

The data for the study was drawn from a housing and health survey carried out in eight European cities in 2002 and 2003.

Questionnaires took personal data such as weight, height, gender and social status, and surveyors analysed conditions in the vicinity.