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More than 40% of adults in England have gained weight during the pandemic, a survey suggests, with the average gain being half a stone (just over 3kg).

Public Health England (PHE), which surveyed 5,000 people, says Covid lockdowns and disrupted daily routines have made it challenging for people to eat healthy and keep fit, BBC News reports.

Snacking and comfort eating were given as the main contributor by about half of those who said they were fatter.

PHE recommends a summer fitness drive.

Its Better Health campaign offers free support and guidance on how to lose excess weight and become active using a 12-week plan.

Gaining weight is often a gradual process, it says, happening over years as a result of "modern-day life and the odd unhealthy habit".

As well as the visible weight gain, fat can also build up around vital organs, making it harder for the body to fight against diseases such as cancer, heart disease and Covid.

But small, simple changes to diet and lifestyle can help shed excess pounds.

Recent research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies, using data on millions of food and non-alcoholic purchases, found a large increase in calories from takeaways - peaking at more than double usual levels in the UK's second national lockdown in November 2020.