Women are more likely to lose weight - and save money - if they diet and work out with a friend, it has been revealed.

You're likely to shed more than 10 pounds if you have girl-friends who are willing to eat healthily and train with you.

But a fifth of those who choose to go it alone don't drop a single pound.

A study of 3,000 women, by women's car insurance specialist Diamond, shows 61% find it almost impossible to summon up the enthusiasm to work up a sweat alone.

But two thirds actually enjoy going for a run or a swim with a friend - and admit they will push themselves harder if they have company. And 56% reckon exercising regularly with a mate improves their relationship, and means they see each other more.

Seven in 10 women say exercise is less of a chore when they do it with friends, and over half admit they talk non-stop whilst doing it. But despite the chit-chat, 87% of ladies reckon they still get the same, if not better, exercise with friends.

It's going to be more fun and seem more effortless than if you're sweating away on your own. Also, if you have gym membership you're more likely to keep going and get your money's worth. So many people sign up at the start of the year with the best of intentions but then let their membership lapse. I've certainly found that if I've arranged to meet someone at the gym I won't let them down whereas if I was going on my own and feeling tired I might chicken out.

Alternatively, to save money you could cancel your gym membership and go for regular runs and sit-ups in the park with your mate instead, or cycle rides.

Sian Lewis, managing director of Diamond, says: "It can be really hard to find the time, energy and enthusiasm for exercising when there's no-one to do it with. At the end of a long busy day at work, it would be so easy to slip into the arm chair for a few hours to relax, rather than go out for a jog or swim.

"But having a friend who is interested in keeping fit and toned can really help keep motivation - suddenly exercise isn't just about getting sweaty, and losing weight, it's about catching up on the latest gossip, and having a bit of quality time together.

"And the weight loss is an added bonus, the research shows those women who exercise with a friend have more luck at maintaining a healthy weight, even losing a few pounds in the process."

But the poll shows dieting and exercising with a friend isn't all about improving relationships, for some it's a bit of a fashion contest.

A third of women would always buy themselves a brand new exercise outfit if they were about to train with a friend for the first time. And over a fifth admit they also compare fitness fashion tips with their mates when at the gym - discussing where clothing has been bought, how much their trainers were etc.

If you've splashed out on new gear, you have all the more reason to keep at it.