One person in 10 ‘ready to starve’

The survey of 3,000 people also found one in 20 would consider surgery, such as a gastric band, to shed the pounds.

Dieting was the preferred option for losing weight (48 per cent of people said it was their first choice) and 11 per cent would join weight-loss clubs.

Some three per cent of people opt first for a celebrity fitness routine while two per cent say they follow a specific diet, such as only eating protein.

Overall, eight per cent of people started to worry about their weight between the ages of three and 13, while 31 per cent said they were aged 14 to 20.

A fifth began worrying when they were 21 to 30, while 10 per cent were in their 30s.

Asked for the most important reasons for wanting to lose weight, 47 per cent said to feel better about themselves, 50 per cent said to get fit and 42 per cent said because of health concerns.

Seven per cent go on a diet to look like a celebrity while 22 per cent diet for a special occasion or party and 31 per cent do so before a summer holiday.

The poll was of 1,809 women and 1,191 men, of whom 51 per cent considered themselves a normal weight, 35 per cent thought they were overweight, five per cent obese and nine per cent underweight.

The research, commissioned by the Co-operative Pharmacy also revealed men were least likely to be concerned about their weight; 37 per cent never worried about their body shape.