Unlikely as it sounds, the research from Utrecht University in the Netherlands found that pictures of sweet treats actually strengthens women’s determination to eat well.

Psychologist Floor Kroese carried out a study on 54 female students and asked half of them to look at pictures of chocolate cake and the other half at pictures of a flower.

Both groups were asked about their eating regimes and then offered a choice of snacks between a piece of chocolate or an oatmeal cookie.

Women shown the cake picture placed healthy eating on a higher priority compared to those who were shown the flower.

More of this group also picked the oatmeal cookie as a snack over the piece of chocolate than the group who were shown the flower.

Discussing her research, which appeared in New Scientist, Professor Kroese said: "Food temptations do not always trigger indulgence.

"It seems that seeing a food temptation reminded people of their goal to watch their weight, and helped them act accordingly."

Prof Kroese suggests that people who are trying to lose weight should try sticking a picture of unhealthy snacks on their fridge door to stop them from eating unhealthily.