A recent study shows thatpeople turn to comfort eating and alcohol when stressed.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAC) questioned 5,000 people in a survey measuring how they respond to the pressures of modern life.

Stress levels are on the rise, but to cope sweet treats and booze were among the top crutches we use day to day.

MORE TOP STORIES The survey found that 33 per cent resorted to comfort eating when stressed.

24 per cent said they turned to the bottle when the going got tough but as a result, 20 per cent they had put on weight.

The top reason for people feeling the pressure was a lack of time, with 44 per cent of people agreeing.

Another 25 per cent said their stresses came from wanting to have it all, and 24 per cent said they had difficulty switching off from work.

Tamzin Freeman, of the BAC said: "Stress can make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle but reaching for your favourite foods or treating yourself to that bottle of wine after a hectic day may make you feel better in the short term but it won't tackle the root cause of the problem."

The study marked Acupuncture Week from March 2 to 8.