The increase in obesity among British citizens is causing people to underestimate their own weight issues, an expert says.

This is because the rapid rise in obesity has caused people's perception of a healthy weight to be blurred, with many Brits unaware that their health is troubled, according to a spokesperson from Slimming World.

Jenny Caven said: "A general rise in obesity is causing people to underestimate the severity of their own weight problem."

Ms Caven also claimed that those affected by obesity should gain support by "buddying up with a friend" and joining a weight loss group, while exchanging junk food for fruit alternatives such as satsumas, grapes or pineapple slices.

Meanwhile, a study by the University of Texas has claimed that weight misperception is common in women who are both overweight and of normal size.

The study advised that clinicians should offer counselling that is tailored to each of their clients' needs in order for them to lose weight successfully.