Researchers from Glasgow University observed that fish given a "binge then diet" food regime had a reduced lifespan of up to 25 percent.

Their study compared the growth rate, success of reproduction and lifespan of stickleback fish.

They believe the findings could have implications for teenagers and children who follow extreme patterns of dieting.

This is because they are still growing.

"The fish on the fluctuating diet put just as much effort into breeding - the males became brightly coloured as usual and the females produced the normal number of eggs,” the BBC quoted Professor Neil Metcalf, as saying.

"However, on average their lifespan was three-quarters that of animals eating a constant amount every day,” Metcalf said.

The research found that the difference in lifespan was not a consequence of more rapid ageing but an increase in the risk of sudden death.

Professor Metcalfe added: "It seems that uneven growth, due to the fluctuation in the amount eaten per day, is responsible for the increase in the risk of sudden death.

"This is possibly because the body tissues are more likely to have imperfections due to growth spurts."

Similar results would most likely be seen in other animals with short lifespans that grow throughout their lives, said Prof Metcalfe.