Almost one half of the UK’s MPs are failing to meet the government recommendation of at least two and a half hours of moderate activity each week, according to new research.

The findings, which come from a Nuffield Health study comprising 100 members of parliament, were branded "disappointing" by ukactive CEO David Stalker.

“Members of parliament lead busy schedules, where making healthy choices is not always the easiest option,” said Stalker.

“There are, however, more than two miles of corridors in the parliamentary estate that MPs can walk around, so it is disappointing to see so few of them reaching the target needed for good health."

Aside from poor exercise habits, the study found that many of those charged with representing the public fall short of recommended guidelines when it comes to diet. Almost nine in ten MPs (86 per cent) questioned admitted that they exceed NHS daily calorie guidelines at least once a week, with 71 per cent overeating on up to four days a week.

A fifth (21 per cent) of female MPs exceed the Department of Health's safe weekly alcohol intake guideline of 21 units, a statistic virtually mirrored by the amount of male MPs (19 per cent) who consume more than their 28-unit suggested safe limit.

Asked whether they thought their lifestyle was healthy or unhealthy, four in ten MPs (41 per cent) said unhealthy.

“Like many other jobs, being an MP makes it difficult for us to balance the pressure of work with the exercise and diet needed to live in a healthy way,” said Labour MP for Leeds North East Fabian Hamilton.

“Despite this, in recent years my circumstances have encouraged me to take responsibility for improving my health by increased physical activity through regular cycling, eating more healthily and managing stress.

“I welcome this study and, in my view, it is important that those of my colleagues, who do not already do so, take similar action.”

The Nuffield Health study was carried out by intelligence firm Dods Parliamentary Service. A total of 100 MPs were questioned. Of these, 40 were Conservative MPs, 47 Labour MPs, nine Liberal Democrat MPs and four from other parties. A total of 79 male MPs took part and 21 female members.

What do you think? Do MPs have a responsibility to set an example and practice what they preach? Or do they have enough on their plates already?

Tell us your views by emailing: [email protected]