A new study has found that 80 per cent of men and 70 per cent of women will become overweight or obese by 2020.

The researchers used complete figures from 1993 to 2007 to make prediction about future levels of obesity in England.

According to the study around 41 per cent of men in the age group of 20 to 65 will suffer obesity by 2020, while 40 per cent of men will be overweight.

Among women, 36 per cent will be obese, while 32 per cent will be overweight by 2020.

The study, which was led by Prof Klim McPherson of the University of Oxford, also said that the number of obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke will also rise, putting further pressure on the NHS.

Commenting on the topic, Cathy Moulton from Diabetes UK, stated, "This new report paints a gloomy picture of the future state of the UK's health."

The report has emerged at a time when the Government is urging adults to lose extra weight and get healthy.