Research shows that couples who diet together lose weight sooner than couples who diet alone
Research shows that couples who diet together lose more weight than dieting alone.
On average, they each lost 2.25 kg (or four and a half pounds) more when they joined forces to tackle unhealthy eating habits.
Researchers say findings from a team of experts from Bournemouth University suggest weight loss advice could be better targeted at married or cohabiting couples, as it is common for them to have similar calorie intake.
And the findings also suggest that a “ripple effect” means that a person’s weight loss efforts can benefit his or her partner, even if the partner is not “actively involved.”
Britain has the highest obesity rates in Western Europe.
For example, the Health Survey for England 2021 found that almost 26 percent of adults in England were classified as obese – with a body mass index of 30 or higher.
A BMI between 25 and 30 is classified as ‘overweight’.
Being overweight or obese increases the risk of life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
The researchers said the so-called ‘ripple effect’ could explain why two are better than one when it comes to slimming down
Surveys show that more than 60 percent of people in Britain want to reduce calorie intake and cut back on fatty foods in favor of more fruit, vegetables and fiber.
But only a fraction manage to lose all their unwanted excess weight.
The Bournemouth team wanted to see whether targeting nutritional advice at couples worked better than just at individuals.
They reviewed dozens of previous studies on the topic to get a general idea of the likely benefits.
The results, published in Nutrition and Health, showed that couples who counted calories together lost significantly more than those who tried to follow a healthy lifestyle alone.
And they lost an average of 4.5 kg (or nine and a half pounds) more than overweight volunteers who received no dietary advice.
In a report on the findings, researchers said: ‘Lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing obesity target people who are overweight or obese.
The results showed that couples who added calories lost significantly more than couples who just tried to follow a healthy lifestyle.
‘But many couples share a risk of obesity.’
The researchers said the so-called ‘ripple effect’ could explain why two are better than one when it comes to slimming down.
‘There are indications that partners who were not actively involved in a weight-loss intervention still lost some weight as a result of the ripple effect.
‘Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at couples lead to greater weight loss.’