A recent study has found that as little as one-hour exercise each week, such as walking on a treadmill, could increase the quality of life of obese people.

Conducted at the Duke Diet and Fitness centre, the research found that in patients who were approximately 100 pounds overweight, those who did a small amount of exercise found everyday tasks easier, reports Reuters.

Dr Martin Binks, research director, commented: "These folks were not reporting high levels of activity yet they still felt better."

"No amount of exercise is too little to have an impact."

He added that working out or getting a small quantity of exercise is beneficial no matter what someone weighs.

Dr Binks noted that the advantages of working out are not simply to do with "appearance and muscle tone".

A recent article in the Mail on Sunday by Peta Bee stated that age should not be barrier to exercising and that even those over 60 could benefit from swimming, Pilates or weight training.

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