The survey, carried out by the tem at GoNutrition.com, also found that just over a third (39%) considered their diets to be healthy and balanced.
The main reasons as to why the remaining 61% found their diets to be unhealthy, including containing too much fat (63%), neglecting important food groups (52%), too much sugar (41%), too many calories (33%) and too many carbohydrates (185).
The 52% who stated they neglected important food groups, most commonly left out dairy (37%), protein (21%) and fibre (17%). A quarter (24%) revelaed that they avoided a specific food group for dietary reasons, whilst 76% admitted they struggled to afford or find items they enjoyed from the group.
Ross Beagrie, managing director at GoNutrition.com, said: “Ensuring your body is provided with a full and balanced diet is key for your long-term health and wellbeing. Unless you have specifically been told to do so by a medical professional, fad diets or cutting out crucial food groups entirely will only have negative consequences in the long-term.
“As always reiterated amongst health and nutrition experts, everything can and should be enjoyed in moderation, as denying yourself of something will only give you more cravings and temptation once your willpower dies down!”
The most common reasons for giving up particular food groups included; giving up carbs to lose weight (42%), giving up dairy to improve digestive health issues (28%), giving up fats to lose weight (27%), giving up sugar to prevent diabetes (14%), giving up meat to become a vegetarian (7%) and giving up meat and dairy to become vegan (1%).
A total of 2,394 adults aged 18 and over were polled for the study, with an even split of males and female respondents. Respondents were also split according to UK regions in order to provide insights into regional differences.