A recent poll found that 62% of surveyed couples had gained at least one stone since settling down with their partner.
Two-thirds admitted that they had put on weight together, with 56% of women matching their partner’s portion size leading to a greater weight gain.
Another reason is thought to be the relaxing of habits such as exercising and dieting, after you’ve found your long-term love.
A decrease in social and outdoor activities also contributes to the growing love-handle phenomenon, with 56% admitting they spent most of their time in front of the TV with their partner, and 21% saying that the spent the majority of their time together eating at home or out.
'People tend to put on a little bit of weight once they have found love'
Diet Chef, who carried out the survey, explained:
'This survey has revealed some very interesting results, and it’s surprising to see how complacent people can be when they are in a relationship.
'It’s widely known that people tend to put on a little bit of weight once they have found love, but what we didn't expect to find was that the weight gain is on average a stone, if not more.
'We appreciate the role food plays in a relationship, and whilst enjoyment of food is great, it’s important to stay healthy and monitor what you eat on a daily basis, especially portion size.'
But fear not, after that popcorn-fueled soap session you could always make up for it in the bedroom.
Dr. Amy Wechsler reveals: ‘Sex burns about as many calories as the same amount of time spent weight training or walking.’
So what are you waiting for?