Researchers surveyed Britons over the age of 40, to find out who they look to for health and fitness inspiration.

And Davina McCall (aged 55) and Jennifer Anniston (aged 54) topped the list of wellness idols – with 12 percent of the vote each.

53-year-old Jennifer Lopez, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson (50) and Brad Pitt (59) also graced the list of celebs we admire for their toned physiques and healthy lifestyles.

George Clooney (61), Tess Daley (53) and Idris Elba (50) also featured in the top twenty fitspirations, with wellbeing “guru” Gwyneth Paltrow, only just making it into the list, in 20th place.

The study also suggests, it isn’t until we reach our mid-forties that we properly start to take care of ourselves, with 45 emerging as the age Brits feel healthiest in body and mind.

In fact, four in ten (40 percent) of the over forty-fives surveyed, feel physically better now than they did in their twenties and thirties.

One in two (49 percent) claim they are more conscious of their health and wellbeing, while a quarter (27 percent) lead a healthier lifestyle.

One in three (32 percent) believe they are at peak fitness because they have put their partying days behind them.

A desire to look good in older age (32 percent), understanding their body better (30 percent) and drinking less alcohol (28 percent) also contribute to feeling healthier.

The study of 2,000 Britons aged 40 and over found that one in three (29 percent) had a full health MOT when they hit the big 40 as they felt it was needed (40 percent) and to rule out any serious health problems (35 percent).

One in three (29 percent) were looking to the future and wanted to see if there were any issues that might become a problem if they didn’t change their lifestyle, while 28 percent were keen to make sure they are in top health.

Three quarters (74 percent) admit they only started regularly eating a healthy balanced diet when they reached their 40s, with late nights (64 percent), too much alcohol (59 percent), not drinking enough water (57 percent) and consuming (47 percent) too much junk food as reasons why their diet wasn’t very good in their younger days.

Holly Roper, Science Communication & Nutrition Manager at Benecol stated: “We all know that not taking care of ourselves can have health repercussions so it is encouraging to see more people focused on their wellbeing.

“However, the research shows that many people in the UK are in the dark about the dangers of high cholesterol. Drinking too much, smoking, not getting enough sleep and an unhealthy diet can all lead to dangerous levels of cholesterol, and in turn, heart issues. It is really easy to get tested and, if you find out you have elevated levels of cholesterol, do something about it.

“Through our further research with Medichecks, we found that almost half of the population are currently living with high levels of cholesterol. This is a worrying statistic, and we want to encourage people to get tested, adapt their lifestyles and speak with a healthcare professional if they are concerned. Benecol’s range of cholesterol-lowering products with plant stanols are proven to help keep your cholesterol at a normal level, helping you to lead a happy and healthy life”.

The study also found that the 40s were the decade when people had their best fitness regime, with over half (52 percent) exercising more now than in their younger years.

One in four (26 percent) said they had more time to exercise when they hit their 40s, leading to four in ten (40 percent) feeling physically better than their twenties and thirties.

Two thirds (61 percent) say a healthier lifestyle has led to them having more energy (70 percent), feel happier (55 percent), sleep better (42 percent) and enjoy exercise more (39 percent).

The study also found two thirds (62 percent) thought more about their weight, mental wellbeing (46 percent), joint care (44 percent), cholesterol (44 percent) and heart health (42 percent) as they got older.

A third (31 percent) worry about their gut health, while one in four (25 percent) are more conscious about Type 2 Diabetes.

Asked what they would do if they found out they had high cholesterol, the first port of call would be to consult a GP (70 percent), while one in three (34 percent) would reduce their fat intake. A third (30 percent) would exercise more.

A simple way to reduce cholesterol, which can cause heart disease, is through diet and the use of foods like Benecol which is proven to lower cholesterol by 7-10% within three weeks.