London (PTI): Health and weight are clearly major issues for the modern woman with nearly one in four women on a diet, a British survey has suggested.

The survey, which involved more than 1,000 women of all ages and backgrounds, quizzed the participants on eating habits, family values and sex.

Nearly one woman in four or 23 per cent is currently on a diet and nearly three women in five (58 per cent) has dieted in the past, according to the study for The Sunday Telegraph.

A high 80 per cent or four in five said losing their health is their greatest concern, followed by putting on weight (52 per cent) and losing their job (24 per cent), the research for Stella magazine revealed.

Even though almost two out of five women see themselves as feminists, nearly three out of four women would rather have a man, than a woman, as their boss, the survey found.

A high 73 per cent preferred a male boss than a female boss, although this figure rose to 81 per cent for women aged 55 and over.

The participants also showed high expectations from a partner, with 67 per cent ready to hold out for the perfect, romantic partner than settle for a man who's "good enough".

Among the three biggest challenges faced by women today, 82 per cent chose balancing work and home life as the main challenge, followed by raising happy children (56 per cent) and finding time for yourself (52 per cent), the British survey showed.