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Others cited the increased number of sweet treats in the office and said busy social diaries meant they missed dinner and were tempted into late night fast food binges.

Despite two thirds of those surveyed rating themselves a seven out of 10 on the scale for will power, the results reveal that Christmas and all the associated socialising, eating and drinking will crack even the most strong willed individuals.

Izzy Cameron, nutrition and weight management specialist at Diet Chef, which carried out the research, said: "It is hard to give up alcohol and all those sweet treats especially at this time of year, but if you want to shed those pounds they are the secret calories that can easily add up; even those handful of chocolates from the Christmas tin.

"When it comes to Christmas however, everyone knows that diaries will be filled with socialising, copious amounts of food and lots of alcoholic drinks.

"But managing your weight can be done by making slightly healthier choices that still allow you to fully enjoy the festivities, without over indulging."