Cold Feet actor John Thomson shares his weight loss tips

Weight problems are an increasing cause for concern, with obesity on the rise in many countries. In the UK alone some 25% of adults are classed as obese, with men more likely than women to suffer from serious weight problems – yet the slimming industry pays far more attention to women’s weight problems than it does to those of our male population.

High profile advertising campaigns from well known diet brands have done little to broaden their appeal to guys, with 28% of men feeling existing weight-loss programmes are too female-focussed, deterring them from joining

This is despite 52% of men admitting they are unhappy with their body shape with the majority of chaps looking to lose between 1 and 2 stone in 2012. Interestingly, married men were more likely to be unhappy with their body shape than their single peers.

Men want options, and in such a female focused industry, those options have clearly been too few and far between. According to the report from the new male focused weight loss plan LivSmarter, guys in the UK have to this point compounded their problem by being too shy, 42% would not have the courage to ask anyone for advice if they wanted to lose weight, preferring (20%) instead to look online for information.

So, what are the solutions, how can we get around our busy lifestyles and ensure we have the time to lose that winter weight? Star of Cold Feet and The Fast Show, John Thomson tells us now.