Scots are the most keen dieters in the UK according to new figures

Research for Sainsbury's Magazine found that more than half of all Scots questioned were unhappy with their weight.

Almost one in five of the respondents said that they were on a permanent diet.

Three-quarters of those taking part in the survey admitted to being on a diet at least once - the highest proportion anywhere in Britain.

The magazine survey said that 31% of Scots admitted to "yo-yo" dieting - going on a series of crash diets as their weight fluctuates.

It found that 19% were constantly on a diet while 56% said they were unhappy with their weight.

Scots 'chocoholics'

The survey results suggested that Scots have different eating and drinking habits to others in the UK.

It found that in general, Scots drank less water than other Britons and dine out least frequently.

Of those questioned, 61% said they eat out only once or twice a month compared to 22% of Londoners who visit restaurants more than once a week.

A further 44% admitted to drinking just two or three glasses of water a day, compared to the 28% of Welsh people who consume six to seven glasses.

Scots drink less water than some of their UK counterparts

The results also suggest Scots spent just 53 minutes preparing their traditional Sunday roast dinner - about half the time that people from the South-East do.

Scots also appear to be the biggest chocoholics with 33% saying they ate chocolate regularly.

But the dietary trends do not, the survey suggests, point towards Scots favouring food over some sorts of physical activity.

One finding suggested that only 25% of Scots rate good food better than good sex, compared to the 34% of East Anglians who preferred the culinary delights to those in the bedroom.

Jane Curran, Food and Drink Editor for Sainsbury's Magazine, said: "This survey shows just how different eating habits are across Britain.