When you’re single, life seems to be all about you: your schedule, your time, your goals.
But when you become smitten by that special someone, things change. You first catch each other’s eye, you go on a first date, and then you wonder how you ever lived without this person in your life.
Unfortunately, there’s evidence out there that throws a wrench in the notion that being in a happy relationship is always beneficial to one’s health. New couples tend to go out more than established couples, which often means fewer healthy meals, and time spent sipping co*cktails while gazing into each other’s eyes. While sweet and romantic, these new infatuations can also mean weight gain, which increases your risk of other health problems.
Whether your couple goals are Han and Leia or Posh and Becks, at least some of those goals should include keeping each other healthy.
Anyone who has been married knows all too well about the work you need to put in to looking good on your wedding day, including months of exercise and diet. (And spray-tanning, if you’re on “Bridezillas.”)
But what happens after you’ve taken those perfect wedding photos?
One study that
Men also gain weight, but there weren’t many differences between men who were married and men who were just living with a partner.
The researchers concluded that living together increases both men and women’s risk for obesity. (The study only looked at straight couples, so the jury is still out on whether there are similar trends in non-heterosexual couples.)
Researchers concluded that the reason why happy couples gain weight is because they are less motivated to maintain their weight when they don’t need to attract a mate.
So, if your partner has gained some weight, chances are high that they think you’re the one.
In the
This is called “concordance.” One study found that if one person in a married couple becomes obese, their spouse has a 37 percent higher chance of becoming obese, too.
Most research on the topic of couple weight gain agrees that the cause is quite simple: behavior is contagious. When you’re living in close proximity with someone else — someone who you want to spend time with, that is — you’re more likely to eat the same things, and do the same activities.
Nine studies that looked at the behaviors of people in different parts of Europe all found that people who have never been married tend to have a lower body mass index.
However, they also found that married people were more likely to eat healthier foods. How does this make sense? The researchers think it’s because married people pay less attention to dietary fat, as well as to their body weight.
Also, married men were found to exercise less than single men, which links back to the notion of caring less about your appearance.
If you’re in a happy relationship, you have to take care of each other’s hearts — and we don’t just mean romantically.
Here are some ways couples can take care of each other’s health:
Exercise Together
It can begin with a walk after dinner, and progress to running marathons together. If kids are preventing you from leaving the house at the same time, try an exercise video — the kids might even want to join in on the fun. Whatever it is, exercise can help fight off the dreaded relationship weight while spending time together.
Eat Out Less
When you dine out, you don’t have control over what goes into your food. Restaurants are havens for excess fat and salt, which can contribute to weight gain.
Choose Healthier Snacks
When it is time to stay in, stock your place with fruits, vegetables, and nuts instead of chips and other unhealthy snacks.
Don’t Skip Visits to the Doctor
Couples can also care for one another by getting routine health checks from their doctors, as well as keeping each other accountable for health goals.
As a fitness and relationship enthusiast with a deep understanding of the interplay between health and romantic partnerships, let me dive into the concepts discussed in the article you provided.
The article touches upon the impact of romantic relationships on individuals' health, specifically focusing on weight gain within couples. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts:
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Initial Infatuation and Lifestyle Changes:
- When couples start a new relationship, they often engage in activities that involve dining out and sipping co*cktails, potentially leading to a less healthy lifestyle.
- The romantic phase, while sweet, can contribute to weight gain and other health issues due to altered eating habits.
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Weight Gain in Newlyweds:
- Studies indicate that newly married couples, especially women, tend to gain weight in the initial years of marriage.
- The article highlights a study tracking over 8,000 people, revealing that married women gain an average of 24 pounds in the first five years of marriage.
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Relationship Satisfaction and Weight Gain:
- Interestingly, research suggests that happy couples may be more prone to weight gain. The reasoning is that individuals in satisfying relationships may be less motivated to maintain their weight, as they don't feel the need to attract a mate.
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Weight Gain as a Contagious Behavior:
- The article introduces the concept of "concordance," where one person's obesity in a married couple increases the likelihood of the spouse becoming obese as well.
- Proximity and shared activities contribute to couples adopting similar behaviors, leading to weight gain.
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Married People's Eating Habits:
- Despite the weight gain, married individuals are found to have healthier eating habits compared to their single counterparts.
- This paradox is explained by the hypothesis that married people pay less attention to dietary fat and body weight, possibly caring less about their appearance.
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Exercise and Health in Relationships:
- The article suggests that couples can counteract relationship weight gain by engaging in physical activities together.
- Shared exercise routines, from simple walks to more intense workouts, contribute to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
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Dietary Choices and Dining Out:
- The recommendation is to eat out less, as restaurants may offer food with higher fat and salt content.
- Choosing healthier snacks and maintaining a balanced diet at home are emphasized.
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Routine Health Checkups:
- Couples are encouraged to take care of each other's health by scheduling routine checkups and holding each other accountable for health goals.
In conclusion, the article provides insights into the complex relationship between romantic partnerships and health, highlighting the importance of shared activities, mindful eating, and maintaining individual and collective health goals within a relationship. If you have any specific questions or if there's a particular aspect you'd like to delve deeper into, feel free to ask!
