Fat chance of resolutions

More than seven million Britons who vowed to lose weight as their New Year's resolution are still just as fat as a month ago - but they are £335 million worse off.

That is the cost of failed diets, abandoned gym memberships and fitness videos now gathering dust in a cupboard, according to a Norwich Union Healthcare survey of 1,000 adults. Around one in three adults resolved a month ago to get fitter, firmer or, at the very least, lose a bit of flab after over-indulging at Christmas.

Around 15 million adults made health-related resolutions on New Year's Eve and then joined gyms and bought books or other aids to help them. But half of them have abandoned their pledges, despite spending an average of £50 a person.

Most admitted it was a lack of willpower. Only four per cent blamed a lack of support, while other reasons included not having the time and running out of money.

The East Midlands, Yorkshire and London saw the highest proportion quit because they were too busy. And Scots were most likely to admit a lack of willpower.

Dr Doug Wright, clinical development manager at Norwich Union Healthcare, said: "It appears to be 'new year, same old story' for the weaker-willed. What's startling is the amount we spend trying to get healthy."

Pam Richardson, director of the UK College of Life Coaching, said that many who made resolutions realised that other things were more important. She said: "If wellbeing and weight management is not top of your list, exercise or healthy eating may 'drop off the edge of the plate'."

She said people should stop "beating themselves up", decide what was most important in their lives and stick to achieving that.