Despite having Barry Austin, Britain's one-time heaviest man at 65 stone among its fans, Birmingham City topped the West Midland teams for supporters recording the healthiest lifestyle, reports the Birmingham Mail. Blues were declared the seventh healthiest team in the top flight league in the poll by NHS Choices.

There were 58 per cent of Blues fans at a healthy weight and supporters were among the most sensible drinkers with 84 per cent of them boozing within the recommended daily limits.

Rivals Aston Villa were only slightly behind in ninth spot with 57 per cent healthiness and 77 per cent of non-smokers.

West Bromwich Albion followed in tenth place with 58 per cent of healthy fans. Wolves were left trailing behind in 12th place out of 20 in the healthy league with a 55 per cent healthiness rating.

Premier new boys Blackpool clinched the title of the leanest eaters with a huge 70 per cent healthy fan rating.

Sunderland received a red card on their supporter eating habits with just 49 per cent of fans eating a good diet.

The online survey of 25,000 supporters assessed fans' health and fitness based on weight, smoking and alcohol consumption to coincide with the new season.

Peter Baker, Men's Health Forum chief executive, said: "There is a serious message from this league table too - many of these clubs are based in areas where too many men die prematurely."