‘Your losing weight benefits others’

Those making effort to lose weight are not just helping themselves but may be helping others too, a new study has shown.

The study found that when one member of a couple commits to losing weight, it affects the other person who, though may not be actively participating in the weight loss intervention.

The study, conducted by University of Connecticut, stated that  approximately one third of the untreated partners lost three percent or more of their initial body weight after six months despite not participating in any active intervention.  “A three percent loss of body weight is considered a measurable health benefit.”

The lead investigator, UConn, a behavioural Psychologist, Professor Amy Gorin, who calls it a “ripple effect” stated that when one person changes their behavior, the people around them change too. 

“Whether the patient works with their healthcare provider, joins a community-based, lifestyle approach like Weight Watchers, or tries to lose weight on their own, their new healthy behaviors can benefit others in their lives.”

The study also found that the rate at which couples lose weight is interlinked, explaining that if one member lost weight at a steady pace, their partner did too and if one person struggled to lose weight, their partner also struggled.

“Finding of the study also stated how changing our eating and exercise habits can affect others in both positive and negative ways.

“On the positive side, spouses might emulate their partner’s behaviors and join them in counting calories, weighing themselves more often, and eating lower-fat foods,” it further stated.