The Glasgow Effect

The Glasgow Effect refers to the poor health levels in the Scottish city of Glasgow and its surrounding areas compared to other cities in the UK and Europe. However, both Manchester and Liverpool suffer from similar statistics.

As part of our Society and Lifestyle input we were to read a document titled ‘The Glasgow Effect’ which explores the causes of Glasgow’s unusually high death rate and the link with social deprivation. From reading the document, I gathered that the mortality rates in Glasgow are increasing high and found that deaths in under 65’s is 30% higher in Glasgow and in all deaths Glasgow is 14% higher than similarly deprived areas Liverpool and Manchester. I was most shocked to discover that the suicide rate in Glasgow is 70% higher than other UK cities!

We must ask ourselves if our own culture has a role in these high statistics. On further reading I found that the use of illegal drugs and binge drinking are higher in social deprived areas in Scotland which can be linked to the increasing death rate also. Scots are also known for their poor health including poor diets and lack of exercise which can attribute to illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease as well as obesity.

Overall, the fact that Scotland – and Glasgow in particular – has a shorter life expectancy than the rest of the UK and Europe appalling. In order to change this, we need to analyse our choices (including our diets and exercising habits) and alter our lifestyles.