We know that lack of exercise is leading to a rise in obesity in teenagers, but not everyone is aware of the risks this may have to our young people’s health.

A new study has found that more than five million young Britons are in danger of developing high blood pressure.

Almost 9,000 people aged between 16-34 took part in the research, and of those, some 35% revealed high blood pressure readings.

Alarmingly, 4% of them had readings which showed severe or very severe hypertension.

The recommended blood pressure reading is 120/80

The study was carried out for Lloyds Pharmacy.

While stress could be a factor in the blood pressure rise, clinical pharmacist Mr Mohammed told Sky News Online it was probably more likely to be because of the increasingly sedentary lifestyle young people lead.

"There are obvious things that can be done - doing more exercise, for example," he said, "and also cutting back on salt, that's one of the biggest requirements for those who have high blood pressure.

"It is something that most people don't think they need to worry about until later in life, but it can affect you at any age.

"It often has no symptoms until it has become extremely severe, so it's vital to have your blood pressure tested regularly."

People with high blood pressure run a risk of heart attack or stroke if untreated.