Nearly half of the UK is financially overweight, a new study has revealed.

By taking an individual's savings, debt, investments, pension and home ownership status into account, the Lloyds TSB Bank Mass Index calculates financial weight in a similar way to the Body Mass Index.

"Most of us know our Body Mass Index, but our financial health seems to be less of a priority and often people have misapprehensions about the real state of their money," remarked Ian Larkin, managing director of consumer banking at the firm.

With 46 per cent of respondents revealed to be financially overweight and 12 per cent as financially obese, Mr Larkin recommended consumers tackle their money issues as soon as possible.

However, 27 per cent cited not knowing where to start as the biggest obstacle in getting financially fit, followed by a lack of motivation - 25 per cent.

Last year, Abbey revealed that in a scale of zero to 100, the average Brit is 43 per cent overweight financially.

© Adfero Ltd