The Scottish Health Survey found fewer adults were smoking, but still 23% of the population are lighting up compared to 28% in 2003 – a drop of just five per cent

Scots were also drinking less, with average consumption down from 14 units a week to 11 units.

However, one in four people were still putting away hazardous amounts of booze .

The survey found differences in behaviour depending on income levels.

People in deprived areas were more likely to smoke, however there were more heavy drinkers, in higher income groups, especially among women.

Hazardous drinkers in deprived areas consumed more – up to 61 units a week – compared to 38 in the least deprived areas.

The survey also found:

l Three quarters of adults described their health as 'good' or 'very good' in 2011.

l There has been no significant change in the proportion of adults or children consuming the recommended daily intake of five or more portions of fruit and vegetables.

l Only 20% of men, 23% of women, 13% of boys and 12% of girls met the nutrition target

l In 2011, just under two-thirds of adults were overweight while more than a quarter were classed as obese.

The Scottish Government was broadly pleased with the findings, while stating that more was being done on alcohol and smoking.

Michael Matheson, public health minister, said: "These findings show that Scotland's health is improving,

"It is particularly encouraging to see such a fall in the number of smokers.

"I also welcome the drop in alcohol consumption.

"Our Alcohol Framework outlines a package of more than 40 measures to reduce alcohol- related harm, and we have backed up its implementation with a record investment of £196 million to tackle alcohol misuse since 2008 – the bulk being invested in prevention, treatment and support services."

On obesity and health, opposition MSPs claimed there was a difference in people's perception and the reality – and the reality was a crisis.

Jackson Carlaw, Conservative health spokesman, said: "These findings show we have both a future health crisis on our hands, as well as a very current one.

"This survey basically says barely a third of adults in Scotland are of healthy weight, while three in 10 youngsters have work to do to get to a reasonable size.

"Obesity costs the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds, and that will only get worse."

stewart.paterson@ eveningtimes.co.uk