Love and weight gain are not two things we usually associate with each other, however, it’s a common phenomenon among couples. This is often referred to as the ‘Couple weight gain’.

You may find yourself gaining weight when you fall in love or get into a relationship. This article is going to explore the truth about couple weight gain and why it happens.

: The love hormone connection

When we fall in love, our brain releases a chemical called oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. This hormone is responsible for creating a bond between two individuals and promotes a sense of well-being.

This leads to various behavioral changes, including an increase in appetite. Oxytocin also increases the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine which affects our cravings for food, leading to overeating and binge eating.

: Changes in lifestyle

When couples get into a relationship, they tend to change their lifestyle to fit each other. This may involve eating out more often, trying new and exotic foods, or taking it easy and cozying up on the couch instead of hitting the gym.

Before you know it, the pounds start piling up. Eating out regularly and indulging in high-calorie meals can lead to weight gain. This is especially true if the couple doesn’t maintain an active lifestyle and doesn’t exercise regularly.

: Sharing meals

Couples tend to share their meals, which can lead to a higher calorie intake. It’s easy to fall into a habit of indulging or consuming large portions that you wouldn’t have on your own. This high-calorie intake can lead to weight gain over time.

It’s also common to cook meals together, which can lead to high-calorie dishes, especially if the couple enjoys cooking rich and indulgent meals together.

: Sleep disruption

When you’re in a relationship, it’s common to share a bed with your partner. However, this can negatively impact your sleep patterns, leading to weight gain over time.

Sharing a bed can lead to disturbances in your sleep due to snoring and tossing and turning, which can lead to sleep deprivation. Studies show that sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, as it impacts your body’s ability to regulate metabolism and hunger hormones.

: Happiness and comfort

Being in love and being in a relationship can be a source of happiness and comfort. However, this can also lead to overeating and indulging in high-calorie comfort food.

When we’re happy, we tend to reward ourselves with food as it’s a natural mood booster. Likewise, seeking comfort in food when we are upset or stressed is a common phenomenon. Overindulgence in high-calorie foods can lead to weight gain over time.

: Less physical activity

When you’re in love, it’s more about cuddling up on the couch instead of going to the gym or for a walk. Couples tend to spend more time with each other, whether it’s watching movies or spending time indoors.

This leads to a less active lifestyle, which can lead to weight gain. Less physical activity means fewer calories burned, and over time, this can lead to unwanted weight gain.

: The cold hard truth

Scientific studies have shown that couples tend to gain weight over time. A study conducted by the Obesity Journal found that couples who cohabit gain an average of 17 pounds within the first year of living together.

Another study published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics shows that couples who were married or living together for more than two years had a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) than those who were single or newly in a relationship.

: Tips to avoid weight gain in a relationship

If you’re in a relationship and are worried about gaining weight, there are ways you can prevent it. Here are some tips:.

Set fitness goals as a couple and work towards them together. This could be something like going for a walk or a hike twice a week.
Make healthy meal choices and cook meals together. This way, you’ll know what’s in your food and can avoid indulgent and high-calorie meals.
Avoid eating out more often than necessary. Plan meals and groceries and cook meals at home to ensure you have control over your food choices.
Make sleep a priority. This includes getting enough sleep and avoiding sleep disruptions.
Practice mindful eating and avoid overindulging in high-calorie comfort foods.
Stay active and make an effort to move around regularly, whether it’s taking a walk or hitting the gym.

: Conclusion

Love can be wonderful, but it can also lead to unwanted weight gain. The changes in lifestyle and eating habits can add on the pounds over time. However, this doesn’t have to be the case.

By prioritizing a healthy lifestyle and making conscious decisions about food choices, couples can avoid gaining weight and spend their lives together in good health.