Is your relationship making you gain weight?

Research has shown women in a happy relationship gain more weight than those who aren't

Couple eating pizza
Couple eating pizza
(Image credit: REX)

Research has shown women in a happy relationship gain more weight than those who aren't

It's easy to eat more than usual when you're in a happy relationship, either by being tempted into enjoying man-sized portions or calorific meals when out with your other half. So it comes as no surprise that women tend to gain more weight when they're in a relationship.

Research by weightloss aid XLS-Medical Fat Binder has found half of women gain more weight while in a happy relationship than at any other life stage or experience, including giving up smoking or even having children.

In comparison, a third of men gain weight in a happy relationship.

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17 per cent of women will lose weight for their wedding, but many put the pounds back on once their big day is over.

In the other extreme, the lack of a steady partner aids weight loss with 27 per cent of women slimming down whilst going through a break up.

Leading UK dietitian Helen Bond says: 'It's well known that eating habits can be influenced by emotions and as a result different life stages can have an impact on someone’s weight. For example, it’s easy to become relaxed when you’re in a happy relationship, where trips to the gym can be easily swapped for takeaways on the sofa and indulgent meals out.

'But being in a happy relationship can actually make it easier to keep the pounds at bay. You can support and encourage each other to eat healthily and exercise. Having a partner who shares or supports your weight loss goals will spur you on and boost your determination to stick with it, even when your interest and motivation is dwindling.' Do you agree with the findings? Have you put on more weight since being with your partner? Or do you and your partner spur each other on to have a healthy lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below.

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