The majority of people in the UK are 'financially overweight', according to a new study, because they fail to save or shop around for the best deal on loans and other products.
Research conducted by Abbey found that just one in 100 Britons could be considered to be in 'peak condition' when it comes to their finances.
The average individual is in fact 43 per cent 'overweight' because they are using uncompetitive financial products, the survey found.
Women were found to be the worst offenders, with 31 per cent sticking with an uncompetitive mortgage and 25 per cent not checking the marketplace for the best insurance deals.
"As many gear up to shift the pounds they pile on over the festive period, we would encourage people to review the financial products they hold and shop around to ensure that they are getting the most competitive deal available," said Sue Hayes from Abbey.
"Like exercise, a financial workout can take a bit of effort but for most people the rewards are well worth the exertion."
The report revealed that just 53 per cent of people regularly review the deal they have on their mortgage and 41 per cent of people have had the same bank account for a decade.
A recent report from Money Expert found that 15 per cent of adults in the UK switched car insurance provider in the six months to October.
