Viwe Ndongeni

COUPLES may gain weight when they become comfortable in love. This might also apply to couples in serious relationships.

With the wedding season in full swing, experts are warning love birds on the health risks that come with weight gain. Love might be blind, but it could also be fattening, scientists claim.

According to a recent study, people who are romantically involved are more likely to gain weight than those who are single.

Researchers at Central Queensland University in Australia assessed more than 15 000 adults, nearly three quarters of whom were romantically attached, to determine whether a person’s relationship status can affect the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.

The average age of the participants was 52 and there was an even split between men and women. The researchers collated data from annual surveys that were conducted over a nine-year period from 2005 to 2014.

The team, led by Stephanie Schoeppe, found that people in relationships tended to follow healthier lifestyles. Couples consumed a greater quantity of fruit and vegetables and avoided smoking, drinking too much alcohol and eating fast food. But their body mass indices were still higher than single individuals.

Schoeppe said this may be due to feeling less pressure to look good and the impact of having children. “When couples don’t need to look attractive and slim to attract a partner, they may feel more comfortable in eating more, or eating more foods high in fat and sugar,” she told New Scientist.

Trainer and fitness enthusiast, Rushda Moosajee said there are different ways of eating that might lead weight gain. One of them is called victory eating or celebratory eating. We celebrate birthdays, achievements and holidays by overindulging. This type of eating is common with newly-weds or a new couple. TOO COMFORTABLE: Love birds risk their health by eating too much.