Most young people 'couch potatoes'

Many young people never see the inside of a gym

Most young people admit to taking absolutely no regular exercise at all.

A survey has revealed that seven out of ten under-25s are fully paid up members of the couch potato club.

Not only do they lead far less healthy lifestyles than the over-55s, they also appear to be complacent about nutrition.

They blithely assume that ill health is something that happens to others

Dr David Lewis

Only 53% think they eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables.

The research, commissioned by Warburtons bakers for National Bread Week, found that the majority of under-25s know more about TV soaps than key aspects of healthy living.

Six out of 10 had no idea how much water they should drink daily, while 29% of those who did answer were wrong with most of them significantly underestimating the amount.

Contrast

In contrast, 70% of people aged 55 or over considered themselves to be healthy eaters.

While 66% of women said they had a balanced diet, only 44% of men made the same claim.

Psychologist Dr David Lewis, who analysed the findings, said: "It seems clear that a significant proportion of young people are putting their future health at risk, either through indifference or downright ignorance.

"They blithely assume that ill health is something that happens to others.

"Sadly this is far from true with physicians reporting such health risks as high blood pressure and furred arteries among the under 25s, with young males being most at risk."

Research has shown that a healthy diet and physical exercise need to begin early in life to prevent build up of potentially fatal coronary calcium deposits than can lead to heart disease.