London, Jan 8 (ANI): An increasing number of Brits are ditching diets and going under the knife to get rid of their Christmas bulge.

Plastic surgeons say that they have already seen a 40 percent rise this year.

Apart from liposuction or tummy tucks, gastric bands have also gained popularity.

Surgery firm Transform has recruited more staff to cope.

The company revealed that liposuction inquiries have increased 21 percent while gastric band calls rose from just 2 percent to 8 percent of all inquiries.

Christmas can be a depressing time once the guilt sets in after a period of over-indulgence, the Daily Star quoted Transform spokesman Shami Thomas, as saying.

But for some starting yet another dieting programme or joining a gym is too much of a daunting process, or they dont see immediate results, Thomas added. (ANI)