Weddings
80% of Brits are heavier now than before their wedding day according to new research from Nuffield Health
If William and Kate are anything like the average British couple, they could be set to pile on a staggering 13 pounds and give up on their healthy regimes the minute they’re back from their honeymoon.
According to a study, commissioned by fitness & wellbeing experts Nuffield Health revealed that more than 40% of couples abandoned their pre-wedding exercise and healthy eating plans within a month of the nuptials.
The research revealed that 45% of us feel that the reasons we stop our diet and exercise regime once married is due to a lack of motivation and 39% cite ‘too busy enjoying married life’ to keep up the healthy habits. A third us of worry less about our shape once we’re married.
However, despite being seemingly happy to slip into this sedentary lifestyle, our partners are less happy to accept this slide. Almost 70% of newlyweds admit they would be unhappy if their partner let themselves go and put on weight after their big day and 75% of all married couples would tell them so.
This sets the precedent for married life, with more than a quarter continuing to eat more and a fifth exercising even less than before they were married. Once we get into domestic life over half of us go out less and instead watch more TV (40%) and eat bigger portions of food (24%).
Dr Sarah Dauncey, Medical Director at Nuffield Health says this is not just a weight issue: “I think most married people can identify with these findings, it’s very easy to slip into content, married life and to some extent give up on ourselves as individuals.
“At Nuffield Health we encourage people to make lifestyle changes and support each other in doing so. Encouraging your partner to go for a run, eat a healthy meal and be more active is not just about looking good – it’s an investment in the long-term health of your marriage.”
So if like Will and Kate you’re big day is coming up, how can you avoid the health pitfalls of married life?
Mark Braithwaite, Fitness Director at Nuffield Health gives his top tips for keeping newly weds in fitness and in health:
1. The wedding planning is over. This is a great time to embark on a new health & fitness routine.
2. Set out specific times for exercise with measurable goals to work towards.
3. Try a new active hobby together - Go hiking, play tennis, buy bikes or invest in a joint gym membership, however…
4. Exercise can provide some essential ‘me time’. Encourage each other and never persuade your partner to ditch the gym because you’ll be bored.
5. Get some expert help - Nuffield Health’s new Group Personal Training allows you to share the cost with your partner or friends.
6. Watch your portion size – Men require around 500 more calories a day (depending on lifestyle).
7. Get swept up in the energy of Group exercise – Spin, Zumba, Boxercise classes are fun, addictive and great for cardio fitness.
8. Eat together at the table, this is much better for your digestion and will give time to connect as a couple after a busy day.
9. Get a health MOT – understand where you’re stating from and what you need to work towards – weight loss should not be your only goal.
10. Compliment and encourage each other for making the effort. You are more likely to succeed if you embark on this together!