"The Real Cost of Obesity report has shown just that - already the obese in Britain are suffering in their careers, family life and health."

Beddoes added: "At The Hospital Group, we regularly see people for weight loss surgery at about 18 stone. Of course, everyone has a tipping point regardless of weight - which has a great deal to do with psychology. When the patient has reached the stage where it is more painful for them to move forwards and lose weight than stay as they are, that's when their life will begin to take that downwards turn."

Researchers also found that a lack of awareness wasn't necessarily the problem, with 49 per cent blaming their poor diet and 63 per cent a lack of exercise. Also cited were stress and being too busy to do anything about it.

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