Have you noticed that you or your partner have put on weight since you first got together? According to results of a new study, you should take the extra weight gain as a good sign.
Recent findings by researchers at the National Center for Biotechnology Information suggest that if a couple is satisfied with their relationship, they tend to gain weight. After all, the extra pounds around the waistline aren’t called “love handles” for nothin’.
For the study, researchers tracked the marriages of 169 couples over the course of four years. Twice a year, couples were asked to weigh-in and answer questions about their overall satisfaction with marital life. The findings revealed that couples who reported happy marriages were the ones who gained weight, while those who remained slim were more likely to separate.
The researchers concluded that this is because people in stable, happy relationships are not under pressure to attract another mate. This leads them to be confident that their partner won’t leave them, and that they don’t need to impress them anymore. On the other hand, the slim ones in rocky relationships have to maintain their figures so as to continue attracting potential mates.
But, while this may sound like a free pass to overindulge in your favorite guilty pleasures, researchers also cautioned that stable relationships might have a negative impact on health.
Lead researcher psychologist Andrea L. Meltzer said that couples should pay attention to their weight gain, because it can lead to health consequences such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
“By focusing more on weight in terms of health implications as opposed to appearance implications, satisfied couples may be able to avoid potentially unhealthy weight gain over time in their marriages,” said Dr. Meltzer.
In conclusion, if you’ve put on a few pounds since getting into a relationship, be happy that you’re in a stable place with your mate, but don’t forget to be mindful of your health by engaging in regular exercise and eating a well-balanced diet.
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