Want to lose love handles? Diet with your other half

DIETERS can shed more pounds if their partners try to lose weight with them, a study has discovered.

Researchers who worked with 824 heart attack survivors said dieting success rates more than doubled if husbands, wives or other partners joined in.

The trial aimed to increase physical activity while encouraging weight loss and quitting smoking. Half the participants took part in structured group sessions – such as Weight Watchers classes – and the other half were left to their own devices. Those who attended classes did better, but both groups were more likely to succeed if their partner tried to hit the same targets.

A total of 46% of people who attended classes with a partner hit their goals within a year compared to 10% of those left to their own devices without the involvement of an ‘other half’. Researchers at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands said couples often have comparable lifestyles, and that changing habits is difficult when only one person is making the effort. So getting husbands and wives to take part significantly increases the chance of success.

The scientists said weight loss success was defined as losing more than 5% of body mass. Research leader Lotte Verweij said: ‘Our study shows that when spouses join the effort to change habits, patients have a better chance of becoming healthier, particularly when it comes to losing weight.’ She stressed: ‘A supportive partner may help maintain motivation.’

Previous studies have shown that those who are married are more likely to survive heart attacks. They are also more likely to spend less time in hospital if they suffer other illnesses. Experts believe this is because partners offer support that bolsters the will to survive. It also helps to have someone to remind patients to take medicines, eat healthily and exercise.