By CAROLINE WILSON

ONLY a fifth of Scots eat five pieces of fruit and veg each day, a new study suggests.

Research found the majority of people are still struggling to eat the recommended amount for a health lifestyle.

The poll also found that women were less likely than men to do enough exercise for good health.

A third of Scottish men and 43% of women said they did not do 150 minutes - 2 and half hours - of physical activity a week.

However nearly half (45%) admitted they were worried about the effect that their current diet and exercise habits have on their health

More than a quarter (27%) of people said their family/work commitments get in the way of them leading a healthy lifestyle, with 20% saying they lose motivation when they try.

And 28% said they would be more successful in attempts to improve their health if they had more money (28%) or time (17%).

British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland - which carried out the research - is urging the public to take 10 minutes a day to help cut their risk of heart attack and stroke in February's Heart Month as new figures reveal worsening trends in the nation's diet and exercise habits.

This is in line with government recommendations that adults should aim to be active daily, in bouts of 10 minutes or more, adding up to at least 150 minutes per week.

The charity is also urging the public to support its 'Wear it. Beat it' Heart Month fundraising event on February 6, so it can continue to fund life-saving research.

Catherine Kelly, BHF Director of Prevention, Survival and Support, said: "The public have told us loud and clear that time and motivation are fundamental barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

"We have to listen to their concerns and, during this Heart Month, we are offering people manageable and realistic guidance to help make small changes to their extremely busy routines.

"We know that changing the simplest everyday habits can make a big difference - from getting off the bus two stops early to eating more fruit and veg, and building bite-sized chunks of physical activity into your everyday life.

" That's why we're urging everyone to take on the Heart Month 10-minute challenge to improve their heart health, as well as joining our Wear it. Beat it. fundraising event on 6 February to fund life-saving research."

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Cardiovascular disease accounts for almost 16,000 deaths in Scotland every year, and around 650,000 people are living with it.