Did you know that your feelings towards your spouse could directly impact your waistline? That’s right, researchers from Texas have discovered that there’s an attitude you may have towards your partner which puts you at risk of gaining weight. Surprisingly, it’s not the dissatisfaction towards your significant other that piles on the pounds, it’s the satisfaction.
Satisfaction Leads to Weight Gain
According to the study, young newlyweds who are satisfied with their marriage tend to gain weight right after tying the knot. So, the more content you and your spouse are, the higher your chances of packing on some extra pounds. But how could that possibly be the case? Shouldn’t being happy in a relationship lead to a healthier lifestyle?
Well, it turns out that “on average, spouses who were more satisfied with their marriage were less likely to consider leaving their marriage, and they gained more weight over time,” explains psychologist Andrea L. Meltzer. “In contrast, couples who were less satisfied in their relationship tended to gain less weight over time.”
Challenging Traditional Notions of Quality Relationships
Meltzer’s findings certainly challenge the long-held belief that having a quality relationship is always beneficial to one’s health. So, what could be behind this counterintuitive phenomenon? As it turns out, spouses who are satisfied in a marriage are less motivated to attract alternative mates. As a result, satisfied spouses relax their efforts to maintain their weight and frequently end up getting heavier.
This is particularly interesting because it puts a whole new spin on the idea that being in a happy, committed relationship is automatically healthier. Sure, there are numerous benefits to being in a happy relationship, like having a support system and sharing life’s burdens. However, it seems that weight gain might be an unexpected side effect of marital bliss.
Why Happy Couples Tend to Gain Weight
There could be several explanations for why happy couples tend to gain weight. For starters, people in stable, satisfying relationships are known to experience less stress. And as stress is known to be a major factor that contributes to weight loss, it’s only logical that happy couples would pack on some pounds due to decreased stress levels.
Additionally, people in happy marriages are more likely to engage in shared activities such as cooking and eating meals together, while also enjoying regular date nights and going out to eat more often. This can easily lead to weight gain if the couple is not cautious about their food choices and portion sizes.
Finally, as previously mentioned, the more content a person is in their marriage, the less inclined they may feel to maintain their physical appearance. After all, if your spouse loves you unconditionally, there may be less motivation to hit the gym and eat healthily to keep your body in top shape.
What You and Your Spouse Can Do
While it’s good to know that weight gain is an issue for many happily married couples, it’s essential to understand that this doesn’t have to be the case for you and your spouse. Here are some tips for avoiding this common pitfall:
- Be aware of portion sizes: When you dine out or cook at home, be mindful of the portion sizes you’re consuming. Just because the restaurant serves you a large plate of pasta doesn’t mean you have to eat the entire thing.
- Make physical activity a priority: Incorporate exercise into your daily routine, either individually or as a couple. Activities like walking, cycling, or dancing are fun ways to stay active and can strengthen your bond as a couple.
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Keep healthy snacks on hand: Instead of reaching for junk food when hunger strikes, opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, or nuts.
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Be mindful of emotional eating: Sometimes we tend to eat in response to emotions such as stress, sadness, or even happiness. Be aware of this and try to identify healthier ways of coping with these emotions.
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Set goals together: As a couple, set health and fitness goals that you can work towards together. This not only keeps you both accountable but can also bring you closer as you support each other through the process.
In conclusion, while it may be true that marital satisfaction can lead to weight gain, by being aware of this risk and taking steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle, you and your spouse can enjoy a happy, fulfilling, and healthy marriage. After all, growing old together doesn’t have to mean growing “out” together. So, make sure you and your partner are on the same page regarding your health and fitness goals and enjoy the benefits of a satisfied and health-conscious marriage.
