You’re (Probably) Fat Because You’re Happy With Your Marriage
There are so many amazing perks to marrying the love of your life. Unfortunately, science has shown that one downside is weight gain. It's been proven that couples experience a significant weight gain after they tie the knot.
Is it because they don't have to worry about looking good in their wedding photos? Maybe they're just finally able to let loose and show their true colors? The real reason for the weight gain is much more simple than you thought.
Both Married Men And Women Are More Likely To Be Overweight
A new study has shown that both women and men are more likely to be overweight when they're married versus when they're single. The data shows that someone will gain an average of 36 pounds compared to when they first started dating their partner.
Not only that, but they gain 17 of those extra pounds in the first year alone and 24 pounds in the first five years. Yet, interestingly, couples who live together but weren't married don't experience the same degree of weight gain.
But Husbands Are More Likely To Fall Victim Than Their Wives
While both men and women have shown weight gain after getting married, men are more likely to pack on the pounds. While less than one-half of women reported significant weight gain, 7 out of 10 men admitted to adding numbers to the scale.
At first, people have attributed the phenomenon to comfort. Once you're married, the pressure is off and you can get comfortable. But studies have shown there's a deeper reason behind weight gain with couples that is food-related.
Married Couples Dine Out More...But Still Eat Healthier
It's easy to see weight gain in the early stage of a relationship. Many couples dine out for dates since it's a good way to get to know each other. 41 percent of people said dining out in the primary reason they began to gain weight, but that habit doesn't stick in relationships.
In fact, married couples are actually healthier than single people. Committed couples smoke less, drink less, and eat less fast food. Yet they are still gaining weight.
It's The Bonding Time That Makes Them Gain Weight
The secret reason behind that expanding waistline is the time married couples spend together. While they're more likely to plan and make meals, they also see food as a family bonding time and will eat larger portions than single people.
Married couples also influence each other's bad habits. They are more likely to snack unnecessarily because their spouse has a craving. It's hard to resist having a few extra cookies when they're doing the same. Basically, you're gaining weight because you're happy spending time with your spouse.
Don't Worry, You Can Avoid It
Luckily, marriage isn't a death sentence for your body. You can still be happy in a relationship and stay healthy. Psychologist Wyatt Fisher says that the biggest difference for married couples is to be wary of portion controls.
It's also important to remember married couples don't have to cut bonding time out to live a healthier lifestyle. Couples can make healthy (smaller portioned) dinners and exercise together to stay happy in their relationships and their bodies.
