The idea that happy couples gain weight when they love each other sounds a bit far-fetched, but surprisingly, there is evidence to support this claim. According to several studies, couples who reported being happy and satisfied in their relationships/marriages are more likely to gain weight.
We follow the studies that were carried out and learn what was examined and what was the result of the investigation.
Married Couples Gaining Weight
Research from the University of North Carolina followed the weight measurements of more than 8,000 people and concluded that a married woman can gain, on average, 24 pounds during the first 5 to 6 years of marriage.
Additionally, women who were living with their partners but were not married gained 22 pounds, while women who were dating their partners but were not living with their partners only gained 13 pounds.
The study also showed that men gained weight during the transition from single to relationship, and showed that men who lived with their other half for more than 2 years were twice as likely to gain more than 25 pounds than men who did not live with their partner.
The study concluded that there is a strong association between romantic relationships and the number of obesity-related outcomes.
However, although weight gain is evident in long-term romantic relationships, there has been a significant decrease in smoking and alcohol abuse, demonstrating the willingness of couples to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
Newly Wedded Couples
The National Institute of Health conducted more research to examine whether weight gain in newly married couples was a positive or negative reflection of their happiness.
The study followed couples who had been married for more than 4 years and examined their emotional health and stress levels.
Couples who had recently been happily married were found to be twice as likely to gain weight, while couples who reported not being as happy with their spouses were less likely to gain weight.
The study found that happy couples gain weight because they don’t need to attract another partner and they feel happier the way they are.
On the other hand, couples who feel unhappy in their relationships cannot gain more weight due to stress.
However, happy couples who have gained weight are encouraged to think about their BMI for health concerns rather than their appearance.
Weight Gain Is Contagious
A New England Journal of Medicine study showed that weight gain is contagious in couples, too. If one partner gains weight, the other also has a 37% chance of gaining weight.
This is because they adapt to the habits of others, as they spend a lot of time together. However, couples who may be unhappy in their relationships avoid spending too much time together, making it more difficult to adjust to each other’s eating habits.
The people who conducted the study analyzed the social environment, habits, and mutual activities of the couples and came to the conclusion that the mutual weight gain is due to both individuals psychologically influencing their eating habits.
It is important to remember that although they are studies conducted by health professionals, they only show a number of occurrences in the world and not in the entire world in question, therefore they do not apply to all.
There are always exceptions and that does not mean that when you do not gain weight while married, you are not happy with your partner.
These studies were carried out mainly with the aim of understanding the life situation of couples and helping in the fight against obesity.
It is vital to positively influence each other with healthy eating habits and lifestyles, regardless of weight, so that they can enjoy each other’s company for the rest of their lives.
What do you think of the results of these studies? Do you think you can gain more weight when you have a happy marriage?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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