Women who have mental health problems were much less likely to don their gym clothes and exercise regularly at a gym or exercise facility than those who do not, according to researchers.

New research by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) shows that people with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are twice as likely to become obese as they feel embarrassed or worried that others would judge them if they put on their ladies fitness clothing and went to the gym.

Peter Rice, chairman of Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland and consultant psychiatrist, said: "Local Health Improvement programmes, mental health services and leisure facilities all have a role to play in supporting people with mental problems to improve their health by being able to access facilities."

According to the NHS, obesity is fast becoming the developed world's biggest health problem, with over 9,000 deaths a year in England being caused by obesity alone. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19408500-ADNFCR

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