Do you find your weight fluctuates?
There are many factors which influence our weight loss or weight gain, but according to new research it's our relationships that have the biggest impact.
Almost half of women gain more weight when in a happy relationship over any other life stage or experience including giving up smoking or even having a child, according to research by XLS-Medical Fat Binder.
On the flip side, the lack of a steady partner seems to aid weight loss as the results suggest 27 per cent of women slim down whilst going through a break up.
The search for Mr Right seems to encourage women to lose weight with almost a fifth confessing getting back on the dating scene has resulted in weight loss.
And unhappy relationships were also cited as a key cause of weight loss for over one in five women which could be as a result of women preparing their bodies for a newly single life.
Leading UK dietitian Helen Bond, also Consultant Dietitian to the ‘123 hello me’ programme, the online support programme for XLS-Medical, comments:
“It is well known that eating habits can be influenced by emotions and as a result different life stages can have an impact on someone’s weight. For example, it’s easy to become relaxed when you’re in a happy relationship, where trips to the gym can be easily swapped for takeaways on the sofa and indulgent meals out. But being in a happy relationship can actually make it easier to keep the pounds at bay. You can support and encourage each other to eat healthily and exercise. Having a partner who shares or supports your weight loss goals will spur you on and boost your determination to stick with it, even when your interest and motivation is dwindling.”
Interestingly, the research results highlight that compared to almost half of women, just over a third of men gain weight as a result of being in a happy relationship. Male weight cycles seem to be predominately influenced by their jobs or careers which was cited as one of the top reasons for male weight gain. This may be associated with an emerging ‘food on the go’ culture which results in meals and snacks, often higher in saturated fat, being chosen for convenience rather than nutritional value.
Femalefirst Taryn Davies
Tagged in Health Diet Relationship