One reason women may overeat or eat worse in the initial stages of cohabitation may be that women are more likely to eat when faced with emotional stress in their relationship. Since the initial phase of moving in with a husband or boyfriend can be quite taxing for a woman, said Amelia Lake, study author and nutritionist from Newcastle University, UK, it may lead to a little extra munching.
Additionally, food quickly becomes an important part of a living together, as many couples report that eating their evening meal together was key to an ideal relationship.
But fear of weight gain should not stand in the way of moving in with your significant other. As time passes, a woman's healthy habits begin to dominate, mostly because she tends to do more of the cooking and food shopping for the couple.
Also, being proactive about eating healthy can help prevent weight gain after moving in together.
"You can't just blame an unhealthy lifestyle or diet on your partner," said Lake and emphasized that women can have a major influence on what their partner eats, including encouraging them to eat regular meals and more fruits and vegetables.
"Couples who move in together should use the opportunity of the honeymoon period to make positive changes to their diet and lifestyle by working together and supporting each other," Lake said.
