'Britons too lazy to change TV channel'

London: A third of Britons are so lazy that they wouldn't run to catch a bus, it is claimed.

And almost two out of three are so unfit they won't countenance walking up two flights of stairs and will opt to take the lift instead.

Once at home, one in six say that if the remote control was broken, they would prefer to watch a television programme they did not like rather than get up to change the channel, according to a study.

The poll of "couch potato Britain", also found that lazy lifestyles are having a devastating effect on family life.

Three-quarters of couples surveyed for private healthcare chain Nuffield Health, admit to having trouble mustering enough energy at the end of the day for a night of passion with their partner. Many put this down to lack of physical fitness.

Children are also suffering, with two-thirds of parents questioned owning up to regularly being too tired to play with their youngsters. The study of 2,000 adults concludes that it is no wonder one in six children is classified as obese before they even start school.

Even the health of pets is at risk. Despite the reputation as a nation of dog-lovers, half of the owners questioned saying they often can't be bothered to take their dog for a walk.

Sarah Dauncey, medical director at Nuffield Health, urged Britons to get off their sofas and shape-up.

She said: "Ready-meals, remote controls and even internet shopping are all contributing to a dangerously lazy and idle Britain".