The main overall reason for bad food habits was because people thought they had "earned it"

The people of Belfast admit to being the unhealthiest eaters in the UK, a survey has found.

Nearly half (45%) of those questioned in the Northern Irish city said they regularly enjoyed eating foods they know are bad for them - almost double that of Sheffield and Brighton, which came in joint second place with just over a quarter (26%) of their residents admitting to a love of junk food.

The poll also found that more than a fifth (22%) of UK adults aged 24 to 35 said they cannot afford to eat healthily and just under a quarter (24%) of 16 to 24 year olds admit to regularly eating unhealthy foods without any guilt.

Londoners were the most wholesome eaters, with more than four out of five (87%) preferring healthier foods overall.

The main overall reason for bad food habits was because people thought they had "earned it" (39%), while o ther common excuses included "I had a bad day" (38%), "I'm too tired to cook" (35%) and "I'm celebrating" (21%).

Nutritionist Dr Adam Carey said: "Having the willpower to eat healthily on a day-to-day basis isn't just mind over matter, it's also about making the right food choices to set you up for the day.

"Eating healthily on the go doesn't have to be tricky. Planning ahead is key, especially when it comes to healthy protein-rich snacks - keeping energy levels up and temptation at bay."

The research was carried out on behalf of protein drink Upbeat and involved 2,063 adults being questioned.