“As love blossoms, so does the waistline. The dinners, the desserts, the shared snacks—all add up to a love that’s measured in more than just emotions.” So, yes, “love” can be the reason behind your “love handles.” This is not just an assumption – a study done at Max Planck Institute for Human Development, the University of Mannheim, the University of Leipzig, analyzed data collected from 20,000 adults over a 16-year period and found that couples, whether married or not, gained weight in the first four years of being together. Another study conducted by researchers at the Central Queensland University showed that people in love weigh more than single people! So, there are enough studies to prove that people who are in love tend to gain weight! And if you too are in a happy relationship, read on to find out why that happens and how you can prevent gain even while happily in love:
5 Potential Reasons Why People Tend To Gain Weight in Love:
1. They Are No Longer Looking To Attract a Partner:
In long-term relationships, people don’t feel as much pressure to look perfect for each other. They get comfy and don’t worry about impressing their partner with their appearance. They might relax on strict diets or intense workouts. They start eating what they both like, even if it’s not super healthy. Since they are not trying hard to impress each other anymore, they are not worried so much about their physical fitness. They are just happy being together and don’t mind compromising on food choices!
2. Couples Tend To Influence Each Other’s Eating Habits:
When couples start doing things together like binge-watching TV or snacking late into the night, it can lead to weight gain. This happens because they’re spending more time sitting and less time being active. Plus, late-night snacking often involves unhealthy foods that are high in calories and low in nutrition. When they compromise on sleep to do these activities, it can mess with their body’s hunger hormones, making them more likely to overeat. Over time, these habits can contribute to gradual weight gain for both partners.
3. With More Dates, Frequency of Eating Out Increases:
When couples go on more dates, they often end up eating out more frequently. This means they might try out new restaurants and eateries together. However, these outings may not always involve healthy food choices or paying attention to calorie intake. Instead, they might indulge in delicious but calorie-rich dishes. Over time, this increase in dining out and consuming less healthy foods can contribute to weight gain for both partners.
4. Compromising on Exercise:
When people are in love, they might not focus as much on exercising to attract a partner anymore. They’re already with someone they care about, so they might not feel the need to work out as hard or as often.
5. Romance and Socializing Together:
When people are in love, they often enjoy spending time together, which might involve going to parties or social gatherings. At these events, they might indulge in drinking alcohol, like beer. Drinking beer regularly can contribute to weight gain, especially around the belly area, which is often called a “beer belly.” This happens because beer contains calories, and drinking too much of it can lead to consuming more calories than the body needs. Over time, this excess calorie intake can lead to the accumulation of fat around the abdomen, causing the appearance of a beer belly.
Now that you’ve understood why people often gain weight after falling in love, and if you and your partner also feel you’ve got some extra pounds to shed, here’s what you can do to lose weight as a couple.
5 Best Ways To Lose Weight As a Couple:
1. Start on a Weight Loss Diet Together:
Since weight loss mainly depends on your diet, with exercise playing a smaller role, it’s crucial to choose your weight loss plan wisely. The Rati Beauty diet is a great option, with numerous success stories from couples who’ve successfully lost weight following it. These diet plans cater to all ages and genders. Explore the diet by downloading the Rati Beauty app on your phone.
2. Become Each Other’s Workout Buddy:
Exercising is more enjoyable with a partner, and working out together not only strengthens your relationship but also serves as an excellent stress reliever. Develop a workout routine where both of you commit to at least 40 minutes of exercise five times a week. If the gym isn’t your thing, consider joining dance classes or going trekking together. These activities are not only fun but also effective in keeping those extra inches off your waistline. Also read: “9 Ways To Target Body Fat Without Gym.”
3. Enjoy Special Treats on Date Nights:
Who says you can’t indulge in your favorite foods while on a diet? However, designate those indulgences as cheat meals and save them for your date nights. We all know it’s common to have a cheat meal once a week, and as a couple, you can save these treats for your special evenings together.
4. Prepare Meals Together:
Meal prepping is a great way to eat healthily and save time, especially on busy weekdays when cooking from scratch isn’t feasible. By making batches of nutritious food and storing them in the fridge, you’ll save money and cut down on extra calories from restaurant orders. As a couple, choose your favorite dishes and prepare healthy meals together.
5. Prioritize 7 Hours of Sleep Each Night:
Consistently getting enough sleep is crucial for weight loss. Even if you’re eating well and exercising regularly, lack of sleep can slow down your metabolism and increase levels of the hunger hormone “ghrelin” and the stress hormone “cortisol,” leading to weight gain, especially around the belly area. Avoid binge-watching late into the night and resist the urge to snack late at night. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep every night to support your weight loss journey.
In conclusion, falling in love often brings about weight gain due to shared indulgences, increased socializing, and a shift in priorities away from physical appearance. However, with dedication and teamwork, couples can tackle weight loss together. By focusing on healthy habits like cooking nutritious meals together, exercising as a pair, and prioritizing adequate sleep while avoiding common pitfalls like late-night snacking, couples can achieve their weight loss goals while strengthening their bond. Remember, the journey to a healthier lifestyle is smoother and more enjoyable when embarked upon together.
To sum up, when people fall in love, they often gain weight because they enjoy eating together and going out more. But there are ways for couples to lose weight together. They can cook healthy meals, exercise together, and make sure to get enough sleep. It’s important to avoid late-night snacking and other unhealthy habits. By working as a team, couples can get healthier while also growing closer.
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