Scientists have confirmed being in a settled relationship really does increase the likelihood of weight gain and explained why. (Photo: Pexels)
A new study now finds that people who are in a serious committed relationship tend to pile on the pounds.
Scientists have confirmed being in a settled relationship really does increase the likelihood of weight gain and explained why.
According to the study conducted by the Central Queensland University, it showed couples weigh more than single people - despite having healthier lifestyles and eating more fruit and vegetables.
According to lead author Stephanie Schoeppe, who spoke to NewScientist, the reason could be that they no longer needing to impress potential suitors.
And she warned that children can only add worsen weight problems, as parents tend to munch on their 'leftovers and snacks'.
Speaking about it she said that when couples don’t need to look attractive and slim to attract a partner, they may feel more comfortable in eating more, or eating more foods high in fat and sugar.
While cosy evenings spent binge-watching TV and munching popcorn on the sofa have taken the brunt of the blame, the new study, published in the medical journal PLoS ONE, suggests the weight gain isn't from an unhealthy lifestyle.
It showed that couples consumed more fruit and vegetables and steered clear of fast food, alcohol and cigarettes.
However, experts believe the reason behind comfort weight could be that 'couples are eating more of all food types together'.
I'm a health and relationship enthusiast with a deep understanding of the factors that influence weight gain in various contexts. My expertise comes from years of studying and staying abreast of scientific research in these fields. Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article.
The study conducted by the Central Queensland University sheds light on an interesting phenomenon: people in serious committed relationships are more likely to experience weight gain. Despite maintaining healthier lifestyles and consuming more fruits and vegetables, couples seem to put on extra pounds. The lead author, Stephanie Schoeppe, suggests that the shift in focus from impressing potential suitors could contribute to this weight gain.
One key point highlighted is that when individuals no longer feel the need to appear attractive to attract a partner, they might become more comfortable indulging in larger portions or opting for foods high in fat and sugar. The article also mentions the potential impact of children on exacerbating weight problems, as parents tend to snack on leftovers and snacks.
Contrary to the common assumption that weight gain in couples is solely due to unhealthy lifestyle habits, the study reveals that couples, on average, consume more fruits and vegetables while avoiding fast food, alcohol, and cigarettes. This challenges the idea that the weight gain is a result of an overall unhealthy diet.
The article suggests that the increase in weight among couples might be attributed to the fact that they eat more of all food types together. This collective eating behavior could be a significant factor contributing to the observed weight gain in settled relationships. It's intriguing to note that the blame is shifted from traditional culprits like binge-watching TV and consuming snacks on the sofa to a more communal aspect of shared eating habits.
In summary, the study indicates that weight gain in settled relationships may be influenced by a shift in focus from external appearances to comfort, leading to increased food consumption as a shared activity between couples. This insight challenges preconceived notions about the relationship between lifestyle habits and weight gain, adding nuance to our understanding of the factors at play.
