Marriage can make us fat. If you are just married or are about to take the plunge, beware! Research has shown that newlyweds gain weight at a faster rate than their single peers.

Most women see their wedding day as the most important day of their lives and want to look their best. Today’s metrosexual male is as conscious about their mien as their female counterpart, if not more. They want toned bodies and flat abs to look great in wedding attire and photos. Hence, they get their diet and fitness plan chalked out, set their weight goals, and are motivated and focused. Some look for quick fixes — fad diets, slimming pills, starvation (these can be dangerous) to trim down. No sooner than the vows are exchanged, one loses sight of it all and the marriage begins to show on our bodies quite magically. Love handles and potbellies appear from nowhere. So, what makes us fat after marriage?

Parties and house-warmings — It is an integral part of Indian weddings. Refusing to eat is rude because the party is in your honour. Eat, but be judicious about what you choose. Watch your portions. Eat slowly, do not give your host a chance to refill. Eat a fruit or drink a glass of low-fat milk before you leave for the party. Try a detox diet after days of celebrations.

Honeymoon — The effect of a honeymoon with its fine-dining experiences can be a weight hazard. Do not put your health goals on the backburner. Make it a part of your holiday. Try adventure sports, go biking, take long strolls on the beach or go hiking. Burn those extra calories if you find the sumptuous spread at the buffet table irresistible.

Eating as much as your partner — When a couple share their food, they tend to divide it equally. However, men are usually larger and require more calories than women. One of the partners also becomes the family’s garbage disposal bin because he/she dislikes wasting food. Please watch the amount of food you eat.

Pampering in-laws — Indian men are more at risk. Treating sons-in-law indulgently imparts some amount of immunity to the daughter. But while appreciating the effort, make them see that there are other ways to your heart than through your stomach!

Cook to please — Some wives try to impress their husbands with their culinary skills and dish out high-calorie dishes day after day, and insist that he finish it to show that he really likes it. Show you care by cooking healthy food and not forcing him to overeat.

Lack of time — Marriage comes with much responsibility, and time in the gym might be time away from your spouse. Develop fitness plans for both if you bond with each other by exercising together or going for walks. Learn a new sport as a couple.

Loss of cause — I am married so I no longer need to maintain my weight. As marriage is a commitment for life, so is maintaining your ideal body weight to remain healthy, for yourself and for each other.

Unhappy marriage — Discontentment with your marriage or difficulty adjusting and adapting with your husband and in-laws can make us turn to food for solace. In a state of depression, we eat more and become inactive. Turn to your friends or family for help. Consult an expert. Food will not solve your problems — it might just aggravate them.

Pregnancy — With marriage comes a baby and with it comes loads of weight. But excess weight gain does not ensure a healthy baby. Ten to 13 kg of weight gain is normal. Eat sensibly and healthy, both pre- and post-pregnancy. Do not forget to exercise.

Does matrimony sound like malediction? Don’t despair. Research has shown that married people with satisfying relationships and strong sense of connection have fewer heart attacks, lower cancer rates, higher immunity and lower stress.

It’s a new beginning. Start on a healthy note. It will give you more time and energy to enjoy your lives together, in fitness and in health.