Join the debate: Britons drowning in saturated fat as they consume double the recommended amount

They found those living in the North are regularly eating up to double the guideline daily amount (GDA) of saturated fat, according to research commissioned by Unilever.

However, even those in London and the South East who consumed the least, still exceeded the GDA by 20 per cent.

The information will be used in a live debate tonight at 6.30pm about saturated fat. It will be chaired by John Humphreys with nutritionists and medical specialists Dr John Briffa, Dr Sarah Jarvis and Esther Rantzen.

You can join the debate live here at 6.30pm...

The average GDA of saturated fat for men is 30g per day. For women and children aged 5-10, the recommended figure is 20g.

Those in Scotland eat the most saturated fat, with an average adult consuming up to 55g - 175 per cent above the average GDA of 20g for women, according to the TNS Worldpanel study, which looked at the food diaries of 25,000 people in May.

Lancashire follows at 44g - 120 per cent over the GDA for women. Those in Yorkshire and the Midlands eat 55 per cent more saturated fat than the GDA.

Dietician Jacqui Morrell said: 'As the Government has acknowledged that 80 per cent of the nation is eating too much saturated fat and needs to reduce its consumption, this latest research into the regional consumption habits of the UK is very worrying.

'Whilst some areas are higher saturated fat consumers than others, it illustrates that the UK as a whole is eating too much saturated fat.'

The map released today shows a stark North-South divide in consumption of saturated fat across Britain. Click enlarge to see the map in detail

Saturated fat is found in processed meat products such as sausages, bacon, pies, butter, lard, biscuits, cakes and pastries.

Too much saturated fat can raise cholesterol, and so raise risk of heart disease and stroke.

The survey found an average 45-year-old Scot ate as much as 46g of saturated fat a day on a diet of a fry up, buttered toast for breakfast, soup and buttered roll with yoghurt for lunch and beef pie and chips with cake or bread for tea, as well as a snack such an extra sandwich or biscuit.

In London and the South East a 45-year-old would typically eat cereal and buttered toast for breakfast, a sandwich and cake at lunch and lasagne and perhaps a sweet biscuit for dinner taking them up to 33g saturated fat.

Ms Morrell added: 'It is evident there is a lack of knowledge as to which foods are high in saturated fat and about balancing intake and making healthier choices to keep saturated fat levels low.

'The results further reinforce the need to educate consumers on the health risks of too much saturated fats and the significance of eating a diet lower in saturated fats.'