It's all gone pear-shaped for men

For decades, women have squeezed into skintight trousers, peered into the mirror and asked: "Does my bum look big in this?"

But now it seems the fate of the rounded behind is also causing men some concern. Research published today shows the men of 2002 would struggle to fit into the slimline hipsters which dominated fashion in the Seventies.

For in the past 30 years, the average size of male hips has expanded from 38 to 40 inches. The sedentary office life and a love of fast food mean waists have also grown by around 3.4 inches to an average of 36 inches and toned chests have expanded by three inches to 42.

The survey, by Datasize Research Management (DRM), compared the shape of a range of volunteers with the average male body shape recorded 30 years ago.

They found that the problems men face are no longer restricted to a beer belly. They are also piling on the pounds around the thighs, bottom and waist.

Tony Rosells, of DRM, said: "The research shows men are getting bigger in all areas including their waist and chest."

Official data suggests half of the population will be obese by 2040 as Britain follows America in its poor eating habits. And it seems men are far from confident with their new vital statistics.

Around one in 10 said they felt uncomfortable getting undressed in front of their partner because of their size. And one in five said too much food and beer meant their hips and thighs would get fat. However, the survey, carried out for the low calorie bread, Nimble, found few men know how to tackle the problem of putting on weight.

While they spend seven hours a week watching sport, only one in three men actually participate in games or go to the gym.

And fewer than one in 10 said they ate three healthy meals a day, opting instead for ready-made meals, takeaways and snacks. Of those who did try to lose weight, fewer than one in three tried to eat either low-fat foods or counted calories.

Sarah Eden, from Nimble, said as the population continued to put on weight, men needed to try and eat a more healthy diet.

"It seems that one of the main reasons why men are gaining weight is they don't understand the link between weight control and a healthy, nutritious diet.

"Keeping an eye on your health and food intake and maintaining your weight does not have to be a chore. Nowadays it is possible to feel good about yourself and enjoy delicious food that is high in taste but is low in calories and fat."