The survey, headed by YouGov and commissioned by a private health business, The Hospital Group, found that 5 per cent of 2,056 adults quizzed felt their weight kept them from moving forward in their careers.

Just below half, 46 per cent, said they earned more than the country’s national average income i.e. 20,000 pounds while the majority grossed between 10,000 and 15,000 pounds.

The obese also said their weight came in their way of participating in leisure activities – 23 per cent mentioned cycling, swimming and running and 14per cent said it took a toll on their sex lives.

Dr Ian Campbell, of the charity Weight Concern, said there was little doubt that obesity meddled with professional life owing to social prejudice and health problems.

"There is good evidence that the less control you have over your work, the more stressed you feel, and the lower income you earn, the lower your life expectancy,” the BBC quoted him as saying.

"People living in lower socio-economic conditions have a greater risk of obesity through less control of their environment, poorer nutrition, and less opportunity for physical activity.