Commitment is linked to weight gain finds a new study published in the July issue of the journal Obesity, reports an article in New Scientist. When researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill followed weight shifts and relationship status of nearly 7,000 men and women for several years they found that married people are twice as likely to become obese as men and women who are dating.

What's more, it was not only commitment as defined by marriage that led people to pack on a pouch. The study also found that women who moved in with a romantic partner and had been co-habitating for at least five years were had a 63% higher risk of obesity. Weight Loss Lessens ED Risk

Oddly, men who were not married but living with romantic partners did not show increased risk of obesity according to the study results. The men, however, did have a jump in risk between the first and second year or cohabitation with a romantic partner.

According to New Scientist, the researchers theorize that the weight gain may result because couples who live together (in marriage or outside of marriage) may make mealtime a priority. In turn, workout sessions at the gym may become less of a priority. It may also be that after finding a mate who supports them and loves them for who they are, the men and women stress less about their physical appearance.

Readers, have you experienced this? Your once-fit partner has now packed on a few pounds?