MEN in their early 40s are more likely to be overweight than women at the same stage of their lives, according to new figures.

A total of 62% of Scots were either overweight or obese at the age of 42, but among men the rate reached 69%, while it was just 55% for females of the same age.

Social scientists at the Institute of Education at the University of London, who carried out the research, said poor diet for a generation of males was a factor while it was far more socially acceptable for men to be overweight.

Dr Alice Sullivan said: "People who are overweight or obese face a higher risk of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes and certain cancers.

"But carrying excess weight is far more socially acceptable for men than for women, and men will not respond to health messages about weight and obesity if they do not recognise that they are overweight.

"This is a particular concern given that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for men aged 35 and over."

The study also revealed that 30% of men do not realise they are overweight, compared to nine per cent of woman.

Finally, the results also showed that 41% of men were actively looking to lose weight, compared to 66 per cent of women.

The research was carried out by Dr Sullivan and Matt Brown, with almost 10,000 people in Britain surveyed against the results of their body mass index.

Dr Sullivan will present her findings today at the Festival of Social Science in London.