Citation
(2009), "Weight loss and the ripple effect", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 39 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2009.01739cab.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Weight loss and the ripple effect
Article Type: Food facts From: Nutrition & Food Science, Volume 39, Issue 3.
It is a well-known theory that couples have a tendency to gain weight together, with the blame often laid at regular cosy dinners for two and women serving themselves the same portion sizes as their men. But there's good news: the opposite may also be true, say researchers writing in the International Journal of Obesity.
According to the report's lead author, Amy Gorin, an assistant professor at Connecticut University's Department of Psychology, when one partner embarks on a structured weight loss programme, their other half often loses weight too.
The study examined 357 couples as part of the Look Ahead Home Environment Research Project. Researchers discovered that the partners who were not actively trying to lose weight lost an average of 5lb hence the “ripple effect”.
“When we change our eating and exercise habits, it can spill over in a positive way to other people”, comments Gorin. “This is evidence that if you change your own behaviour, you may motivate others around you and get them motivated as well”.
Further reading
Gorin, A., Wing, R., Fava, J. et al. (2008), “Weight loss treatment influences untreated spouses and the home environment: evidence of a ripple effect”, International Journal of Obesity, Vol. 32, p. 1678.