21 Jan 2013 Ask the dietician: In sickness and in health
by Kellie Dye
The couple that stays together gains weight together. At least that’s what the research shows.
Married couples are twice as likely to become overweight than people who are dating. The risk of weight gain increases after just one short year of living together. But does it really have to be that way?
Obviously married people eat together more often than not. Women in particular struggle with weight gain after marriage because they may unconsciously eat large portions similar to their husband. Many women work as many hours as their husbands, which can promote less cooking at home and more eating out. The increased frequency of eating out is strongly associated with gaining weight.
If you and your spouse have put on a few unwanted pounds since the wedding day, it is possible to take off the pounds together. Couples who support each other in healthy eating and exercise have better results with weight loss than individuals who go it alone. There are many advantages of embarking on a weight loss plan together as long as you remain mindful of the differences in your rate of weight loss and how you can best support each other.
Everyone knows that men lose weight faster and easier than women. That can be frustrating and unnerving for some women. Men have a greater muscle mass, which gives them the metabolism edge. Men also have a greater water mass, which they lose easily at the start of any low calorie diet. Couples should never compete for most pounds lost. It’s often a losing battle for women if it’s a weight loss in pounds competition.
Besides the differences in the rate of weight loss between men and women, there is also a difference in how men and women relate to food. Women definitely have a stronger emotional connection to food. This is often difficult for men to understand. For anyone with an emotional connection to food, the focus should be on finding alternative coping skills that do not involve food. Honesty about emotional eating and having a positive partner who can offer support without judgment can be a tremendous help.
If your spouse is not on board, it’s OK to focus on your own goals. Try not to let your spouse’s habits get in the way of your plan. Avoid preaching and trying to change their behavior. Take responsibility for yourself, and don’t expect your spouse to change for you.
Change comes from within when the time is right. You can set a good example without coming on too strong. And whether your spouse is on board or not, it is always a good idea to establish fun activities that do not involve food and eating out, such as walking, dancing, biking and bowling, just to name a few.
Kellie Dye, a registered and licensed dietitian, is the wellness coordinator at the Conway Regional Health and Fitness Center. Send your diet and nutrition questions to Kellie at [email protected]. Frequently asked and pertinent questions will be addressed in future articles in 501 LIFE.
