One-third of Overweight British Think They are Healthy and Do Not Exercise: Study

A new study has found that one-third of all British people binge on unhealthy treats daily and one-fourth of the overweight population hates going to the gym.

A recent survey by the Aviva Health Check UK found that a significant number of people are overweight and blissfully ignorant about their health, eating and lifestyle habits. The reports revealed an alarming rate of obesity in more than 50 percent of the people across the nation and a third of them assumed they were in good shape and did not need any exercise.

More than 2,000 adults were a part of the research that noted the impact of lifestyle, health conditions, and levels of physical activity and BMI on the overall wellbeing of people. It was found that nearly 25 percent of the population did not eat even a single serving of fruits and vegetables in a day but drank five cups of tea and coffee. About 34 percent reportedly consumed fatty snacks and sugary drinks each day.

It was also observed that around 29 percent of the overweight citizens led a sedentary lifestyle and never indulged in any form of physical activity. These participants had no motivation to shed the extra kilos or change their diet.

The report also suggests that people's attitude towards health and body weight contributed to the surging rates of mental conditions like depression, anxiety and insomnia. Financial constraints, work pressure and family issues largely influenced physical and mental state of the citizens.

"Although losing weight is the top health ambition for the UK as a whole, any plans to lead a healthier lifestyle are being neglected under the pressures of modern living," said Dough Wright, study author and medical director for Aviva health in a press release. "The nation is falling woefully short of hitting the recommended 5 a day target of fruit and vegetable portions and too many people are failing to fit proper exercise into their lives."

Wright believes most people refuse to accept the dangers they are exposed to and ultimately fall prey to problems like diabetes, heart diseases, strokes and various forms of cancer.

"Many people are failing to grasp the real importance of taking control of their current and future health, by making changes to their diet and taking more exercise. By reducing the number of people in the UK who are overweight or obese, we can help stem the rise in weight-related illness and improve the overall happiness and wellbeing of our nation," he added.