When I stumbled upon research from the University of Queensland, Australia about people who gain more pounds while in a loving relationship, I finally got an explanation for these love handles I have obtained.
It all makes perfect sense now. Both me and my boyfriend put on more than a few extra pounds in the year that we have been together. The comforting thing about it is that it means our love is true.
According to researchers, the main reason for gaining weight in a relationship is that couples feel so comfortable, safe and relaxed around each other, that weight gain comes naturally.
They are satisfied with their own bodies because their physical appearance is not what’s holding their relationship together. They also share a lot of meals together.
Here are a few more details about the scientific side of this phenomena. The research was during a period of ten years. Researchers at the University of Queensland, Australia followed the lives of 15,000 people.
Their results showed that people in healthy relationships gained 1.8 kilos (almost 4 lbs.) per year. And people in relationships weigh 5.8 kilos (12.8 lbs.) more than those who were single.
The study appeared to show that the higher level of happiness in a relationship is connected with an increase of weight. People who were happier and more satisfied in their relationships were by default chubbier.
Why is that so?
The main cause hasn’t been discovered yet, however, there are a few possible reasons for this phenomenon:
Couples adapt to each other’s way of life and take on their partners’ eating habits. For instance, women often forget that man usually have bigger appetites. They subconsciously follow their leads and eat more than they should. By overeating, they gain weight more easily.
Likewise, if a woman has a sweet tooth, a man who hasn’t had one will most likely join in. In no time, the sweetness they have within will be transferred out.
They will easily adapt all the eating habits their loved one has. The romantic ones will bring chocolates or make cakes and pancakes themselves. The same goes for other types of food.
There is an old saying, “A way to the man’s heart is through his stomach.” From personal experience, I would argue that is true and add that the same goes for women.
It’s great to have a sous chef in the kitchen. Cooking together is one of the most bonding experiences. The thing is that we often forget that healthy and nutritious meals should also be a part of a couple’s menu.
Eating out in diners or restaurants is one of the most common date ideas. It gives couples opportunities to get to know each other on a deeper level while sharing a meal.
One other thing that’s worth mentioning here is a change in lifestyles.Married couples and those in a serious relationship prefer the comfort of their home. So there are not so many outside activities.
A cuddly dinner at home, Netflix and chill, ordering takeout sounds divine. But it also deprives them of long walks and other physical activities they could engage in together.
Even people who were outdoorsy and into sports have a tendency to neglect those habits. Their focus shifts from their inner desire to impress somebody with their good looks to making those same people happy.
Although weight gain can make us feel bad about ourselves, there are two good points which you need to keep in mind.
First, your gain weight indicates that the bond between you and your partner is so strong that you feel safe and comfortable being yourself around them. They will surely be into your big butt and love handles.
Secondly, you gained weight together, so you can lose it together too. Changing your diet and exercising together will be easier than when you are in it all by yourself.
Of course, there are a lot of exceptions to the rule but generally speaking, couples who eat together stay together.