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Contestants from an episode of the SA version of Come Dine With Me.

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Dieters relying on healthy home-cooked meals wreck their efforts to slim by dishing up large portions and feeling obliged to finish everything on their plate, a survey has found.

The study from Weight Watchers has revealed that the increasing trend for home-cooking, led by celebrity chefs, TV shows such as Come Dine With Me and the need to save money, can have unexpectedly fattening consequences.

The YouGov survey of more than 2,000 Britons reveals that 68 percent of those questioned aim to dine at home more often.

But even while trying to avoid piling on the pounds, 95 percent of people who cook at home will keep on eating - even if they are full - until their plate is empty.

The survey also found that although 57 percent believed they dish up the recommended portion sizes, only 14 percent of people actually did.

Warnings over obesity levels have mainly concentrated on what is bought from takeaways or fast-food outlets, which last year triggered the launch of the Government initiative, The Public Health Responsibility Deal.

But now Weight Watchers suggests that education on healthy eating needs to begin much closer to home.

Lucy Vickers, the firm’s nutritionist, said: “Finishing everything on your plate is often a deeply ingrained habit from childhood. Simple adjustments can help reverse the habit, such as serving up smaller portions and using leftovers for lunch the next day.” - Daily Mail

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