Bulging Brits gain an average of 5lbs on their summer hols – raising their risk of 13 cancers

It is a time to let loose and enjoy yourself.

But, Brits returning from holiday are likely to be carrying more than just few souvenirs.

The average person arrives back on British soil weighing an average of 4.4lbs more than when they set off.

It comes as scientists warned this week that being obese raises a person's risk of at least 13 different forms of cancer, including breast, ovarian, stomach, uterine and pancreatic forms of the disease.

For many admit, their downfall is booze.

Sixty-two per cent of Brits who drink say they gained weight from indulging in too much alcohol and food on their summer trip.

And the approaching Bank Holiday is unlikely to do the collective wasitline any favours, with seven in 10 of us planning to enjoy drinking over the three-day break.

Cancer Research UK commissioned the survey, asking 1,000 people about their summer drinking habits, to mark the return of Dryathlon this September - the original month-long dry challenge.

Anthony Newman, spokesman for the charity, told The Sun: "Many of us looking forward to a summer holiday and an extra day off over the bank holiday.

"But, the extra food and alcohol could be impacting on our wallet and our waistlines.'

More than one in three people surveyed said they exercised in their quest for a bikini bod pre-holiday, while a quarter admitted to the ordeal of a holiday diet.

But the lure of cocktails, wine and beer to quench their thirst while in the sunshine was too hard to resist, many said.

Almost half of participants confessed they consume more alcohol on all-inclusive holidays, rather than when they cater for themselves.

The survey also revealed it is not just a person's waistlines that feel the effects.

The average Brit spends £850 on alcohol throughout the summer, and more than 43 per cent said summer is when they consume the most booze.

Mr Newman encouraged people to embark on the Dryathlon challenge, shunning all booze for the month of September, to help improve their health.

He added: "If you feel like you've over-indulged a little on the alcohol front, or just want to shift a few post-holiday pounds by getting your healthy lifestyle back on track, Dryathlon could be the perfect excuse.

'A sober September will brush off the summer holiday hangover, while helping to raise vital funds for Cancer Research UK's life-saving research.'

Since it started in 2013, Dryathlon has raised over £19.5 million for Cancer Research UK’s pioneering work into the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

This year’s event will run from 1st September to 30th September with registration now open at dryathlon.org.