Scientists have confirmed that being in love makes you piles on the pounds.
Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia analysed a decade's worth of data from over 15,000 people to discover whether singles or couples lead healthier lifestyles.
They found people in relationships weighed an average of 5.8kg more than their single counterparts, gaining approximately 1.8kg per year.
Strangely, the study revealed that loved-up couples eat more fruit and vegetables than singletons and are less likely to smoke or drink excessively.
However, the reason the gain weight is because they eat more.
Lead author Dr Stephanie Schoeppe told New Scientist magazine:
"Marriage (or de-facto relationships) comes with spousal obligations such as regular family meals."
"While they may include more healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and less fast food, people often consume larger portion sizes and more calories in the company of others than they do alone, resulting in increased energy intake."
Dr Schoeppe also suggested that people in relationships don't watch their weight because they're no longer on the hunt for a mate:
"When couples don't need to look attractive and slim to attract a partner, they may feel more comfortable in eating more, or eating more foods high in fat and sugar."
