People suffering from mental health issues are twice as likely to become obese as those who are not afflicted by mental problems.

Research by the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) points to a link between obesity and conditions such as anxiety and depression.

The SAMH study found that people with mental health problems were much less likely to exercise regularly at a gym or exercise facility due to feeling embarrassed or worried that others would judge them.

People will mental health problems were also four times as likely to report diabetes and more than twice as likely to report high blood pressure as those with no mental health history.

The study could have implications for exercise professionals and personal trainers working with people referred to their gyms by GPs.

Billy Watson, SAMH chief executive, said: “Our research presents compelling evidence that people with mental health problems often feel unable to attend local exercise facilities.

“This must be addressed by ensuring that such facilities do not discriminate against people with mental health problems. We believe it is crucial that mental health problems and obesity do not become an inevitable partnership and immediate action is required to address this.”

Peter Rice, chair of Royal College of Psychiatrists Scotland, added: “The survey shows the importance of mental health issues in Scotland’s health challenges.

“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.”

“The high rates of Diabetes and high blood pressure identified will be contributed to by the barriers which people with mental health problems face in accessing exercise facilities.