Two in five people in the North East are on diets

The study also shows only one in four people in the region is happy with the way they look.

The online research was carried out on behalf of the Public Health Group North East and attracted 900 responses.

It revealed more than two in five people (44%) are trying to lose weight by dieting or cutting out certain foods.

The study's findings come at a time when the government is trying to find ways to combat the UK's growing obesity problem.

Recent EU figures claimed obesity caused about 70,000 new cancer cases in Europe every year, with the UK, Hungary, Romania, Greece and Albania having the highest proportions of obese adults.

'Unhealthy lifestyles'

Regional Director of Public Health Dr Bill Kirkup said: "These figures reinforce the message that obesity is a ticking time-bomb.

"We have to make it easier for individuals to eat more healthily, undertake more physical activity and give up unhealthy lifestyles.

"The current generation in the North East has the lowest life expectancy and the highest levels of ill health in the country.

"We need to get this right, to improve life for our children and the next generation.

"And the more people who voice their opinions, the more likely we are to be able to change things for the better.

"Let's hope the proposals that appear in the government White Paper on public health later this year following the current consultation reflect the urgency of getting to grips with the major health problems we face."

More than three in five respondents to the North East survey felt people should not be able to continue drinking and smoking if it meant others were denied treatment because of increased demand for health services.

More than half of those who took part in the study were men aged between 30 and 49.

About 27% of all respondents said they were moderate or heavy drinkers.