WHETHER we like it or not, when it comes to piling on the pounds, women are usually first in line for the elasticated waistbands.

But that's all set to change. According to a new survey, 75 per cent of men will be overweight by 2010, compared to just under two thirds of women.

The difference is men are often unaware they are overweight - the study found 100 per cent underestimated their waist measurement.

It also found that only 13 per cent of women have ever put their men on a diet.

They considered bad manners to be more unattractive than being overweight and only two per cent said they were put off by an unhealthy man.

Now local health experts are calling on women to wise up to their men's weight problems.

Jane deVille-Almond, a men's health specialist, says women have an important role to play.

"Considering men's discomfort and reluctance to confront any health and dieting issues, more onus should be on us to help our men shape up.

"Reducing your man's waist size alone can lead to significant health improvements."

Obesity expert and dietician Dr Carrie Ruxton agrees: "While ignoring his flab may save embarrassment and hurt feelings, it does nothing about the serious health risks associated with obesity, such as diabetes, heart disease and impotence.

"Helping men to recognise their excess fat and do something about it will bring couples great benefits in terms of health, energy, well-being and even sex lives!"

Bar Hewlett, founder of LighterLife, who has just launched a new men's weightloss programme, said: "Forty-five per cent of men in a relationship say their other halves choose what they eat and nearly a fifth say their partner encourages them to eat larger meals because they are hearty."

Steve Moxley, 38, from Verwood, who lost six stone with his local LighterLife group at Christchurch, said both his wife and sister-in-law had inspired him to lose weight.

"I had become very unhealthy and was unable to motivate myself to resolve it.

"My sister-in-law had successfully lost weight on the programme and she looks great.

"They think it's fantastic and have been very supportive. My wife now recognises the man she married once again."

Personal trainer Spencer Cuckney, based at Ringwood, does a lot of outdoor fitness training sessions for men.

He says although men don't like being told what to do, they do like a challenge.

"One way to get him fit is to get one of his mates involved. Get them to have a bet on who can be the fittest or maybe book an adventure holiday that he has to get in shape for.

"Not exercising at all is the equivalent to smoking a pack of fags. Get him to keep a journal and record how he feels after exercise - it's a great motivator as you nearly always feel better after exercise."