The claim sounds bizarre but nevertheless is true and is based on the study of around 130 couples wherein 1/3rd of them lost body weight exceeding to 3% when their partners were on a weight loss regime even when they were not participating.
The study was carried out at the Institute of Collaboration of Health, Intervention and Policy of the Connecticut University and was called ‘the ripple effect’ by its author. The author further added that the effect was not limited to only romantic partners. A change in behavior of a person effects the others. Hence, when one of the spouses tries to watch their weight, this healthy behavior tends to benefit the life of others in their life as well. The study is not based on self reported analysis but is based on a controlled design study wherein the couple participants are checked as the program starts, three months onward and finally post six months.
This study holds significance because is determines that any peer support be is spousal or otherwise do play a vital role in weight loss. This also includes the social media hash tags one gets.
THE DIET PLAN
Unlimited Intake
The diet plan included unlimited intake of green foods like all green leafy vegetables and salads, all meat, fish and poultry, full fat dairy, almond, nut and seed flours, all artificial sweeteners like Stevie and more.
Occasional Intake
The plan allowed an occasional intake of fruits like 1 cup blueberries, a small banana, orange, five carrots, mangoes, green grapes, 3 small figs and half a cup sweet potato.
Barred Intake
The diet plan had a list of red or forbidden foods and included breads, breakfast cereal, legumes and pulses, fruit juices, soya products, all processed foods, sugar, maple syrup, honey and most alcohols.
The behavioral psychologist said that spouses do tend to copy their partners behavior and start counting their own calories alongside as well, eat low fat food and even weigh themselves more frequently.
Well, it is good news in a way because even if one of the couple is determined to work towards weight loss, the partner might just get inspired unknowingly and shed of a few kilos.
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