Those who feel lazy to go to gym or do not have time to exercise may be literally jumping once they read this news.

Scientists say we don't need to work for hours at the gym to cut flab, as just three minutes of exercise a week could be enough to help you lose weight.

The secret is short bursts of intense exercise - known as high-intensity interval training.

According Scientists at Birmingham and Nottingham universities, such a session once a week is far more effective at -burning fat than daily workouts, the Daily Express reported.

HIT triggers the release of fat-burning hormones helping to shift those unwanted love handles. It also moves glucose from the blood into muscle tissue where it is burned as energy rather than converted to fat.

And vigorous bursts of physical activity also have the effect of killing your appetite, whereas longer workouts can leave you wanting to eat more.

This means people keen to lose weight would be less likely to be tempted to snack on unhealthy treats if they ditched the gym and went for a short brisk walk. HIT sessions can include running, riding a bike or walking.

"HIT is really good at improving glucose uptake into the muscles in a very, very short time," Professor James Timmons, leading the research at Birmingham, said.

"With really intense exercise, you release hormones that can help break down fat. This may help burn that fat over time, after HIT is done. Also, we think, but don't know, that HIT will subdue appetite, while traditional exercise will stimulate appetite. This last point is key and will be researched by our team," he stated.