Food programmes making Brits fat, says study

New research has found that cookery programmes could be contributing to the nation's weight problem.

The study, carried out by diet supplement company Forza, found that 63 per cent of Brits admit to snacking during or after watching programmes such as Channel 4's 'Come Dine With Me' - which is aired 15 times a week - and BBC2's 'The Great British Bake Off'.

They aren't healthy snacks either, according to the data, with 37 per cent choosing chocolate to snack on. Other favourites also include crisps, biscuits and toast.

Commenting on the research, managing director of Forza, Lee Smith, told dailymail.co.uk: "Who hasn't got the munchies when they have been watching 'Masterchef' or 'Come Dine With Me?'. There are so many shows on TV devoted to making us fat - I'm surprised they don't have a calories counter on 'The Great British Bake Off' because all they seem to be doing is inviting us to gorge on cakes."

The latest figures show around a quarter (26 per cent) of UK adults are now obese. Being seriously overweight can cause major health issues, such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease; those suffering may want to visit their doctor, who could recommend a healthy eating plan or other measures such as counselling courses.

The data also found that other reasons Brits claimed to overeat include having too much food in the house, being influenced by a partner, or even just because they walked past a fridge.