One in 10 would starve themselves to lose weight

ONE in 10 people would starve themselves to lose weight, rising to one-in-five of those aged 18 to 21, according to a new poll.

The survey of 3,000 people also found one in 20 would consider surgery, such as a gastric band, to shed the pounds.

Dieting was the preferred option for losing weight (48% of people said it was their first choice) and 11% would join weight-loss clubs.

Asked for the most important reasons for wanting to lose weight, 47% said to feel better about themselves, 50% said to get fit and 42% said because of health concerns.

The poll was of 1,809 women and 1,191 men, of whom 51% considered themselves a normal weight, 35% thought they were overweight, 5% obese and 9% underweight.

Professor David Haslam, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said: “The decision to undergo bariatric surgery is a major one, not to be taken lightly by the patient or the hospital team which provides the operation and it is not suitable for everyone.

“As with any surgery, there are associated risks, but if the wrong person was to undergo a bariatric operation, the consequences could be catastrophic.”