Nine out of 10 overweight people 'are called names'

Half of people admit to calling fat people rude names such as "thunder thighs" or "porker", according to a survey.

The report discloses that 46 per cent of respondents had referred to or thought of an overweight person by a derogatory name.

The top four most hateful names were "fatty", "fat", "lard arse" and "fat b*****d", while other common jibes included "porker", "thunder thighs", "Mr Blobby" and "Ten Ton Tess".

Researchers found that despite the rise of political correctness, such weight-related name-calling was most widespread among the young.

The numbers calling names fell the older people were, from more than half of 16 to 24-year-olds surveyed (56 per cent) to just over a third (35 per cent) of 55 to 64-year-olds.

Dr Ian W Campbell, of the charity Weight Concern, said: "These findings are very concerning. People who have a weight problem need support and encouragement, not ridicule."