Are Relationships Making You Gain Weight? Experts Explain the Science Behind the Trend

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Have you ever noticed yourself gaining weight after getting into a long-term relationship? If yes, you’re not alone. A topic that recently went viral on social media has sparked conversations around whether happiness in a romantic relationship can actually lead to unwanted weight gain. As surprising as it sounds, medical experts suggest there may be some truth to the idea. But how exactly does love lead to those extra pounds? Let’s explore the hormonal, psychological, and lifestyle reasons behind this growing phenomenon. The Hormonal Shift: From Stress to Comfort According to integrative medicine specialist and self-described “biohacker” Kate Novaya, women in secure and satisfying relationships experience a significant shift in hormonal activity. Here’s how: • Decrease in Cortisol (Stress Hormone): Feeling emotionally safe reduces the body’s stress response.

• Increase in Feel-Good Hormones: Hormones like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine rise in response to feelings of love, security, and companionship.

While this hormonal environment is beneficial for mental well-being, it can trigger some physiological effects: • Slowed metabolism

• Increased appetite

• Craving comfort foods

When your body is relaxed and happy, it’s less focused on alertness and calorie-burning—and more focused on bonding and rest. Over time, this natural shift can lead to gradual weight gain. Behavioral Changes: When Comfort Breeds Laziness Novaya adds that the physical transformation has as much to do with behavioral changes as it does with hormones.

Some common lifestyle patterns seen in couples include:

• Eating out more frequently

• Sharing indulgent meals

• Skipping regular workouts

• Prioritizing leisure over physical activity

When people are in love and feel accepted, their drive to maintain strict diet routines or intense workouts often declines. The pressure to “look attractive” may ease over time, replaced by a comforting sense of acceptance—which can turn into complacency. Is This Always Unhealthy? Not necessarily. Experts say that weight gain in relationships is not always a red flag. In fact, it can be a sign that a person feels emotionally secure and relaxed. However, rapid or extreme weight gain—or sudden weight loss—can sometimes indicate deeper emotional or relationship issues. As Novaya points out, “If a woman loses significant weight in a relationship, it could be a sign of emotional distress rather than health. Not all weight loss is a good sign, just as not all weight gain is bad.” This challenges the notion that fitness always equals well-being. Sometimes, emotional safety contributes to a rounder body, but a healthier mind. Why Weight Gain Happens in Long-Term Relationships Let’s look at the key reasons experts believe couples tend to gain weight together: 1. Reduced Pressure to Impress In the early phase of a relationship, individuals may try harder to look their best. Over time, this pressure lessens, and partners become more comfortable with each other’s natural appearance. 2. Frequent Dining Out From date nights to food delivery rituals, couples often bond over food. This results in increased calorie intake and less control over ingredients. 3. Less Physical Activity Couples may skip workouts in favor of cuddling, watching shows, or simply spending relaxed time together. 4. Drinking Together Alcohol becomes a part of social bonding, adding empty calories and reducing metabolism. Is This Just a “Women’s Issue”? No, not at all. While much of the conversation focuses on women, data shows that men also gain weight after entering long-term relationships or marriage. In fact, a study revealed that: • Women may gain up to 11 kg within the first five years of marriage.

• Men show similar patterns, though often discussed less.

This trend is often mutual, with both partners reinforcing each other’s habits—positive or negative. So, What Can Couples Do? The good news is that being in a relationship doesn’t have to mean compromising on your health. Experts suggest the following practical tips: Encourage Healthy Habits Together • Try cooking balanced meals as a couple.

• Take up shared activities like walking, biking, or dancing.

• Avoid making food the default way to spend quality time.

Normalize Conversations Around Wellness • Talk openly about your health goals.

• Support each other’s fitness routines, instead of shaming or ignoring them.

Shift Focus From Appearance to Well-being • Celebrate physical, emotional, and mental wellness as a shared goal.

• Remember that health is not about numbers, but about feeling good in your body.

Final Thoughts: Love Can Nourish and Nurture—Literally

Love is a beautiful thing—but it’s not always waistline-friendly. The comfort and emotional security of a long-term relationship can subtly shift habits, hormones, and priorities, often leading to weight gain. However, this isn’t a problem unless it begins to affect health or self-esteem. Whether you’re newly in love or many years into a relationship, keeping an open dialogue around health—and being each other’s motivator—can help keep both love and life in balance.