How much weight the average person gains in a new relationship

When we think back to the early days of dating the first few mems that spring to mind are of boozy dumpling-filled dinners, late-night trips to Messina and cheap Tuesday movie nights (popcorn and choc-top meal deals non-negotiable.) So honestly, it comes as no surprise that a recent study has found three quarters of people gain weight after coupling up.

On behalf of Jenny Craig, market research firm OnePoll recruited 2,000 Americans – who, btw, were all in relationships – to sus out how just how much they’d loosened the reigns on their diets since finding love. On average, those involved in the survey had gained 16kgs, with 7 of those kilos added to the scale within 12 months.

Source: Getty

What’s more, sixty-four per cent of the respondents said they no longer felt pressure to look their best to attract a lover. 41 per cent blamed eating out on the reg as the culprit for their weight gain (obvs), and 34 per cent of people put it down to takeaway and drinking together at home.

Back in 2018, researchers from the University of Queensland backed this theory when they concluded that couples have higher BMIs than single folk -despite eating healthier and being more active. Reason being? When you’re in a relationship we typically spend more time eating with our partner, as well as watching TV and indulging in a few vinos. Plus, we're more likely to allocate ourselves a larger portion size.

Needless to say, snagging a significant other doesn't need to kill your healthy habits. Instead of spending date night on the couch with your Netflix cue, why not go hiking or take a walk on the beach together? Fun fact: one study out of Santa Clara University suggests people feel more energetic and happier after working out with a partner than doing so solo. What’s not to love about that?

Main image: Getty

What's your favourite date night activity?

19 Member Comments

Wn0873 30 Aug 2020 6:52 PM

Certainly rings true for me! I went up two dress sizes early on in my relationship. I've more or less maintained going down one size ever since but its been a constant battle and I've lost hope of ever seeing size 10 again.

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cityglenda 30 Aug 2020 5:57 PM

I have gone from Size 8 to Size 14. Perhaps the old joke about when does a woman put on weight? After eating the wedding cake. May be true in my case.

RalucaP 29 Aug 2020 8:39 PM

Netflix :-)

Eskimo82 29 Aug 2020 12:19 PM

I'd agree with this, I definately eat bigger portions and a lot differently in a couple situation. I have a lot more meat and carb-filled dinners though they are a lot more enjoyable! I'd say I've put on around 4kg in 3 years but I've also changed jobs in that time moving from teaching where I was on my feet and moving around a lot, to a much more sedentary job now.

cityglenda 30 Aug 2020 5:44 PM

Ditto. Hubby is the cook in our house so he serves up the meals & I hate having leftovers in the fridge.

Hayley644 28 Aug 2020 3:56 PM

I usually have trouble putting weight on.

Chrystalage 28 Aug 2020 3:44 PM

Don't really know what to say to this. In my situation, I piled on a lot of additional weight which I guess in hindsight did start when I met my husband. But I wouldn't necessarily put it down to being in a relationship. I had hormonal/thyroid issues which contributed. I extensively studied nutrition (out of personal interest not a formal course). Once I did a detox and ate more plant foods, I easily lost weight.

S-P 28 Aug 2020 12:01 PM

Yes, looks like I'd fit right into this survey. I gained 6 kgs in the first year of marriage mainly because my husband is a big eater (but has an amazing metabolism so no weight gain) and I was making my portions almost the same size as his. I've put on an additional 12 kgs over the last 18 years and find it so difficult to lose even a kilo or two :(

onlyoni 28 Aug 2020 9:22 AM

I was in a relationship with my hubby for 3 years before we married 41 years ago at which stage I weighed 45.7kg. I now weigh 56.5kg but I put that down to different stages in my life - not as active as I was in my 20s; having a child; changes to my metabolism; and the way a woman's body changes with age.

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Rose_P 28 Aug 2020 8:45 AM

Don’t really know what to say about this article, except.....you are what you eat.....

Margi59 28 Aug 2020 7:27 AM

Guess it just getting comfortable with each other and your relationship but I certainly have put on some weight but it doesn't seem to be going up just steady. Have tried to cut back on junk food as well. We should still enjoy the good things in life including occasionally fast food meals.

Meedee 28 Aug 2020 7:22 AM

Doesnt matter if im in a relationship or im not. My weight has gone up over the past 30 years and it hovers around the same mark....I drop a couple of kilos and then I put them back on. I dont see that changing unless I make an effort to force it to change.

Favorite date night activity....hhmm....no idea really as ive never actually been on a date as such.

misfortune8 28 Aug 2020 12:16 AM

This article is confusing: if the participants gained 7kg in the first year of their relationships, how many years did it take them to gain 16kg? How many kgs did single people gain, on average, over the same number of years?

I can believe that couples might weigh more than singles, after all, we singles have got to be lean enough to hunt for prey/dates, but there would only be a few kgs difference, surely?

As for the question at the bottom of the article, it would be naughty of me to say what's my favourite date night activity! ;-D

Tee631 27 Aug 2020 10:09 PM

Oh I did not know

Frenchy1 27 Aug 2020 7:53 PM

16kg! Not me - 14 years in a relationship and gulp! 35kg gained. Partner hasn't gained ANY! I went back to eating carbs as bf lives on them. Bad move, trying to get back in shape ATM.