A campaign will target a younger generation

The study also found that less than one in 10 were taking enough exercise.

Now health professionals are targeting the younger generation as they try to change attitudes in the area.

A campaign has been launched with the aim of improving the health of Highlanders over the next five years.

The recent study found that alcohol consumption had risen dramatically over the last five years.

More than 50% of Highlanders are overweight

More than half the adult population was classified as either overweight or obese.

However, only 9% of those surveyed were taking enough exercise to have an impact on their health.

The new campaign is aimed at ensuring that another generation does not fall into the bad habits of previous generations.

Dr John Wrench, the director of public health with NHS Highland, said: "My ambition is that the Highlands should be as well known for the health of its population as it is for its scenery just now.

"That is a vision we have. We want to improve health."