Nearly half of us want to shed more than a stone in weight this New Year, a survey has found.

The research, by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Princes Canned Fish, found that more than a third of people (34%) have made a New Year resolution to lose weight.

Often people want to make changes to their diet and lifestyle, especially after Christmas, but may not be sure how to get started Belinda Linden

But more than one in seven (13%) expect to abandon their attempt to shed the pounds within a week.

The festive season has left many people needing to lose weight.

Experts estimate that the average person consumed around 6,000 calories on Christmas Day alone, and put on around 5lbs over the holiday period.

The survey also found:

• 43% of people want to lose more than a stone (14lbs/6.35 kilos)
• 72% of people want to lose weight and keep fit to look after their heart
• More southerners want to lose weight than northerners
• A fifth of the male population admit they want to lose weight and get healthy to improve their sex life while nearly half (48%) say it is to boost their flagging energy levels
• 55% of women want to lose weight to boost their self esteem and 42% for the satisfaction of fitting into a smaller dress size
• Women (35%) find it harder than men (30%) to make healthy food choices when eating out
• Nearly two thirds of people (62%) say they do not find it hard to make healthy food choices when eating out, yet end up choosing foods containing higher levels of saturated fat

It is estimated that 30% of all deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) are due to unhealthy diets.

CHD claims the lives of one in six women and one in four men every year in the UK alone - that's around 125,000 people.

Reducing the amount of saturated fat in your diet helps to lower the body's blood cholesterol level which, in turn, reduces the risk of developing CHD.

Belinda Linden, BHF head of medical information, said: "Often people want to make changes to their diet and lifestyle, especially after Christmas, but may not be sure how to get started."

The BHF and Princes have produced a free booklet - 'Cut the saturated fat from your diet' - designed to help you trim the fat from your diet without giving up the foods you love.

To order a free copy call the BHF on 01604 640016.