A research team at Glasgow University is launching a study to find out if being lazy is in the genes.

Researchers believe pinpointing a "lazy" gene could eventually lead to therapies which increase the desire for exercise and improve health.

Professor Susan Ward said the project would focus on links between genetic components in the body and exercise intolerance.

"People who don't like exercise are usually seen as lazy, but it may be that it's not their fault," said Professor Ward, Director of the university's new Centre of Exercise Science and Medicine.

Genetic pattern

"There may be a link between exercise intolerance and genetic make-up which restricts or promotes exercise depending on your genes.

"If we can establish a certain genetic pattern which corresponds to what is commonly seen as laziness it could transform the way we deal with health problems caused through lack of exercise."

People could be encouraged to become more energetic

Professor Ward said previous research with fruit flies had found that some were genetically predisposed to "sitting" while others, known as "rovers", were more active.

She believes this could explain Scotland's poor health record despite the growing availability of sports centres and exercise classes for people of all ages.

However, she stressed that factors such as environment and the body's physical characteristics could also have an impact on exercise.

"It is fascinating to think that simple genetic make-up could make someone lazy - but the picture is obviously much more complicated than that," said Professor Ward.

"It may be difficult for someone, such as a single mother, to find the time and resources to take exercise or it could be the availability of facilities is restricted.

Ethical viewpoint

"If these factors are influenced by genetic make-up we could be looking at a whole new area where health could be improved through exercise.

"However, tampering with genetic make-up to boost exercise tolerance is another issue which would then need to be looked at from an ethical viewpoint."