Is your HUSBAND making you fat? How your partner can make insomnia worse, ... trends now

Dreams of matrimony often involve a magical engagement, a big white wedding followed by partnership until the end of your days.

But the reality doesn’t always match the fantasy, as romantic dinners are replaced by mindless snacking on the sofa contributing to weight gain and nights of passion become battles over the duvet, leading to poor sleep.

In fact, so-called wedded bliss could increase spouses’ likelihood of developing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes.

So how can we limit the negative impact of marriage and boost the positive effects? We ask the experts….

The problem: YOU’RE PUTTING ON WEIGHT

If your waistband is feeling snug, and you don’t dare step on the scales - you’ve probably become one of the many people who’ve gained weight after marriage.

In fact, according to a 2012 study by the US Obesity Society of 8,000 people, on average women gained 24lb in the first five years of marriage.

While, a 2013 Texas study found that it’s the happier couples who are most likely to pile on the pounds.

'Spouses in satisfying relationships relax their efforts to maintain their weight because they are no longer motivated to attract a mate,' the study concludes.

The spouse solution: 

Sports and registered nutritionist Rob Hobson, sports and registered nutritionist at Healthspan and author of Unprocess Your Life says that men and women need different amounts of food and energy for their bodies.

‘The calorie guidance for men is 2,500 daily and for women is 2,000 but these figures are meant as a general reference as everyone is different,’ he says.

Clinical Psychologist Dr Jen Bateman says that we can, ‘sometimes unconsciously, adapt our true needs and preferences to fit in with our life partner.

‘Practically, in terms of our health goals, this may translate to finishing everything on our overloaded plate because they’ve served it to us, or give in to their suggestion of “grabbing a takeaway” to people-please or stay on the same page.

‘Make your partner aware of your dilemma – that you’d love to stay up late or grab the takeaways when they offer them – but it’s making it tricky to stick to your healthy goals, and asking for their support towards your goals.’

The problem: EATING TOGETHER ISN’T GIVING YOU THE RIGHT NUTRIENTS

Eating regular takeaways, catering for a picky palate and sticking to tried and tested meals can mean women miss out on key nutrients.

‘Women during their reproductive years need more iron than men, with the recommended daily allowance (RDA) about 18mg for women and 8mg for men,” says Hobson.

‘Men can require more zinc, and more protein due to larger muscle mass and higher overall caloric needs.’

The spouse solution: 

Aiming for a wide variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains, nuts, legumes, lean protein and fish in your diet can help deliver the vitamins and minerals you need.

Hobson suggests taking a multivitamin to ensure you’re getting enough, such as Healthspan’s MultiVitality Pro, 90 tablets for £17.49.

‘Lycopene, found in red vegetables such as peppers and tomatoes, is beneficial for men, lowering stroke and prostate cancer risk,’ he says.

‘Nuts and seeds are a great source of zinc for men, as well as magnesium which is lacking in many women’s diets.

‘Phytoestrogens, plant compounds that have a similar structure to oestrogen, are good for women during perimenopause and menopause, so try eating more beans.

‘These are also a good source of fibre, which helps to reduce the risk of heart disease - the leading cause of premature death in men.

‘Phytosterols - natural, plant-based compounds that can help reduce cholesterol - may also help with enlarged prostate.’

A plant sterol supplement such as Healthspan’s Plant Sterols, 90 tablets for £19.49, could also help your heart health.

The problem: YOUR PARTNER’S SNORING IS RUINING YOUR SLEEP