Why do married couples put on weight? If you both enjoy eating and detest working out, how can you lose it?
Couples often experience weight gain after marriage due to shared meals, less focus on personal fitness, and lifestyle changes. To address this, consider making healthy choices together, incorporating physical activities you both enjoy and maintaining open communication about health goals. Small lifestyle changes, such as cooking nutritious meals and finding fun ways to be active together, can contribute to weight management without feeling like a burden.
Entering a relationship triggers a cascade of emotions and physiological responses. The warm feelings and increased communication reminiscent of a teenager are attributed to elevated cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and a decrease in serotonin, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter, as explained by the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute. Additionally, the euphoric sensation associated with a new relationship is attributed to dopamine, acting as nature’s antidepressant by flooding the brain during these initial stages.
Weight gain is a common occurrence for many couples, influenced by factors such as additional calories from social activities and shared meals. Dr Annabelle Chow, a clinical psychologist from Annabelle Psychology, notes that marriage is linked to increased weight gain and a higher probability of substantial weight gain (exceeding 5kg) compared to remaining unmarried, as indicated by a Singapore study.
The initial transition into marriage, particularly in the first year, is linked to an average weight increase of about 1.63kg, with women experiencing this increase more than men, as reported by Dr Annabelle Chow. In contrast, men tend to gain an average of 0.4kg during the first year of marriage. Nevertheless, over the long term, married individuals are less likely to face a significant risk of major weight gain compared to their single counterparts, Dr Chow explained, referring to the study.
Why did the weight shift?
The tendency for married individuals to gain weight after tying the knot may be linked to a decreased motivation to maintain weight, as suggested by researchers in a separate study. The idea is that when individuals are happily coupled and not actively seeking a new mate, they may be less motivated to focus on weight maintenance. Surprisingly, the study also found that young newlyweds, who were less satisfied with their relationships, tended to gain less weight. So, while your partner’s few extra kilos might be noticeable, it might not necessarily be a bad thing.
The dynamics of post-wedding weight change can vary widely among couples. Dr. Annabelle Chow notes that couples may feel a sense of trust and bonding that allows them to enjoy their relationship without feeling the pressure of societal expectations regarding appearance.
Associate Professor Asim Shabbir suggests that a healthy partner can positively influence and motivate others to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The weight change post-marriage can be influenced by factors such as comfort around one’s partner or shared activities, with couples experiencing weight gain or loss based on their unique dynamics.
