108 reasons why we are getting fatter

Dieting experts have compiled a list of 108 reasons why we find it difficult to stay slim.

Diet experts say that everything from using a remote control to change TV channels, to peer pressure, to lack of sleep are conspiring together to keep us fat

They say that everything from using a remote control to change TV channels, to peer pressure, to lack of sleep are conspiring together to keep us fat.

Genes that make us crave fatty foods, driving short distances and unrealistic role models also help pile on the pounds.

The British Nutrition Foundation made the list to encourage people to identify and change behaviour that leads to obesity.

The charity has used a list of 108 things affecting our weight, compiled for a government report, as a starting point for its advice.

The charity has divided the "fat factors" into seven groups – social, psychological, eating and drinking, physical activity, our environment, physiology, and TV, computers and magazines.

Bridget Benelam, the senior nutrition scientist, said: "There are lots of different options in making changes in our behaviour that could have a positive impact on health.

"The key is to try to make at least one change within each of the seven groups."

Having the wrong sort of friends falls into the first category.

They might encourage us to eat badly or make fun of our exercise habits.

Snacking when bored and treating food as something to reward us when things go well both fall into the category of psychological pressures.

Eating too quickly, using TV remote controls and desk jobs can also make our lifestyle unhealthy.

TV adverts for unhealthy foods do not help and many people do not get enough sleep.

But there are many adjustments we can make to our lifestyles to help us slim.

In its Small Changes: Big Gains guide, the British Nutrition Foundation, which has it annual conference today, suggests getting up from the TV and doing some housework during advert breaks.

This could burn 40 calories per hour of TV viewing.

Changing channels manually would use up another 15 calories an hour.

Measuring out small portions of crisps, instead of eating them straight from the bag, could save 130 calories, while office workers who get up to talk to a colleague or make a drink at least once an hour can burn off around 120 more calories a day.