While weight loss may have many health benefits, it might impact a relationship negatively, North Carolina State University researchers say.
Physicians have always emphasized on the health benefits of losing weight. However, weight loss can have a "dark side" in romantic relationships where both partners are not enthusiast about adopting healthy changes.
"People need to be aware that weight loss can change a relationship for better or worse, and that communication plays an important role in maintaining a healthy relationship," said Dr. Lynsey Romo, an assistant professor of communication at NC State and lead author of the research paper.
Twenty one couples from across the world were surveyed. Over a period of two years, one partner per couple lost 30 or more pounds with an average weight loss of 60 pounds. Methods of losing weight included dieting, exercising and medical procedures. For the survey, all couples were asked to answer a questionnaire on how this weight loss impacted their relationship.
Researchers found that among couples where both partners were receptive to these healthy changes, communication between the two partners changed for the good. The partner that lost weight spoke about healthy lifestyles, encouraging the other partner to also adopt a healthy way of living. This also led to positive interactions and increased physical and emotional intimacy.
However, in some cases, weight loss resulted in negative communication between the couple. Most often the partner who lost weight nagged at the other to follow suit, causing tension in the relationship. Moreover, the partner who didn't lose weight felt threatened and insecure. Gradually, the couple would begin passing critical comments at each other, be less interested in sex and try to sabotage the other with unhealthy food in order to derail the efforts and prevent the partner - and the relationship - from changing.
"This study found that one partner's lifestyle change influenced the dynamic of couples' interaction in a variety of positive or negative ways, tipping the scale of romantic relationships in a potentially upward or downward direction," Romo said. "When both partners bought into the idea of healthy changes and were supportive of one another, weight loss appeared to bring people closer. When significant others resisted healthy changes and were not supportive of their partner's weight loss, the relationship suffered."
Romo clarified that the findings of this study shouldn't discourage anyone from losing weight. The study is aimed at making people aware of the pros and cons of weight loss and how it affects their relationship.
