Due to our often sedentary lifestyles and stressful jobs - self-medicated with biscuits and pub trips - belly fat can easily build up.

Fat deposits around the middle have previously been linked to serious health issues, including Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

In its extreme, obesity reduces life expectancy by an average of 3 to 10 years, depending on severity, according to the NHS. It is also estimated that obesity and being overweight contribute to at least 1 in every 13 deaths in Europe.

So, with many of us feeling that we have put on a little weight here and there, and with stubborn tummy fat hard to shift - how can you get back in shape?