N.C. State professors conducted a study, suggesting that losing weight could lead to problems in a romantic relationship if both couples don’t communicate and support each other. 

Past research has shown that when a couple lost weight together, both partners’ communication improved and their lifestyles became healthier. These couples also experienced more physical and emotional intimacy, according to Lynsey Romo, an assistant communication professor.

However, Romo and her colleagues wanted to examine a different scenario.

“Although there’s been quite an amount of research about how couples can help each other lose weight, I was interested in what happens when one person loses weight and how it can that affect their relationship,” said Romo, the study’s lead author. 

The study claimed that weight loss’ impact on partner interaction is a subject that hasn’t been widely studied and isn’t well understood. 

The survey included 42 adults, of which 21 were in romantic relationships. They were then asked questions about how weight loss affected their relationships. 

According to Romo, for most of the people that had lost weight, it improved their relationship. However, in some cases a partner tried to sabotage the other’s diet. Romo said sometimes there was conflict with one partner losing weight because when roles in the relationship changed a partner sometimes felt threatened. This led to unhappiness and eventually one person sabotaging the other person’s diet. Also, the partner who had lost the weight would nag his or her spouse about not being more fit and losing weight. 

“The study is not meant to deter people from losing weight,” Romo said. “It is about being aware of the role that communication can play and the importance of supporting each other. Also, ideally to promote each partner to eat healthier and exercise in ways they both enjoy and not nagging someone to lose weight.”

Despite this, the participants still managed to lose weight—60 pounds on average.