In a society that values thinness and fitness, it is easy to get caught up in the idea that maintaining a slender physique is the key to happiness and success.
However, recent studies show that one of the contributing factors to weight gain in adults is being in committed relationships.
Long-term relationships can lead to weight gain
When two people enter into a long-term relationship, they often start to share meals and engage in less physical activity than they did before they were together. This change in routine can lead to weight gain and a decrease in overall health.
A 2013 study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina found that people in committed relationships tend to gain an average of about 20 pounds over the course of five years, while single people only gain about half of that amount.
The honeymoon phase often involves lots of food and leisure time
One potential explanation for the weight gain seen in committed couples is that the early stages of a relationship often involve lots of dining out and leisure activities that may not be as active as singles would normally be.
This relaxed attitude towards diet and exercise can carry over into later stages of the relationship, leading to continued weight gain.
Comfort eating becomes more common
Another factor that is often seen in couples is the tendency to seek comfort in food during times of stress or anxiety.
When one partner experiences a negative emotion, the other may offer comfort in the form of food, which can lead to overeating and weight gain over time.
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Children can also contribute to weight gain
For many couples, having children is a natural progression in their relationship. However, raising a family can lead to increased stress and decreased time for physical activity, contributing to weight gain for both parents.
How to mitigate weight gain in long-term relationships
While the natural progression of a committed relationship can lead to weight gain, there are strategies couples can use to mitigate this effect:.
1. Encourage healthy habits
Encouraging each other to engage in healthy habits, such as exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, can help couples maintain their weight and improve their overall health.
2. Find active hobbies to do together
Engaging in hobbies and activities that promote physical activity, such as hiking or joining a sports league, can help couples maintain a healthy weight together.
3. Cook healthy meals at home together
Preparing healthy meals together at home can help couples avoid the temptation of dining out and maintain a balanced diet.
4. Attend gym classes or fitness clubs as a couple
By attending fitness classes or working out at a gym together, couples can encourage each other to stay active and maintain a healthy weight.
5. Seek support from a professional
For some couples, seeking support from a professional, such as a nutritionist or fitness coach, may be helpful in developing healthy habits and maintaining a healthy weight.
Conclusion
The natural progression of a committed relationship can lead to weight gain, but couples can take steps to mitigate this effect by encouraging healthy habits, engaging in active hobbies together, cooking healthy meals at home, attending gym classes or fitness clubs as a couple, and seeking support from professionals as needed.
