Women too shy to undress in front of partner

Of the 5,000 people surveyed, two-fifths of women feel like they are always dieting or are constantly concerned about their weight.

Differences between male and female attitudes towards sex and food are also apparent, with a quarter of women thinking about food every 30 minutes but just a 10th think about sex as often.

On the other hand, men think about sex much more frequently, with one in 20 thinking about it every minute and 36pc fantasising every half an hour.

Women also appeared to be concerned with dieting when eating out, with 13pc of those questioned having chosen low calorie foods in restaurants instead of what they really wanted.

Chocolate

Nutritionist and behavioural therapist Mary Strugar said: "The role of appetite is key to weight loss and a detrimental cycle of food restriction that causes hunger pangs may lead directly to overeating.

"This is often called yo-yo dieting and is a reason why many people simply give up and break their diets early."

Many women admitted falling into this pattern, with 15pc eating junk food in secret.

Some 40pc of women also have a passion for chocolate and eat it four times a week.

Ms Strugar said people need to face their vulnerabilities.

She said: "You need to be realistic about your personal diet weaknesses and at the same time, try to swap high fat and sugary foods with slow release energy rich foods such as brown rice, sweet potatoes and bananas that will leave you feeling satisfied for longer and control your guilty cravings."

hnews@herald.ie