When we hear a couple say they “never fight,” we usually immediately suspect. Every relationship—whether it’s a new relationship, a marriage, or even a “relationship with benefits”—has its ups and downs. And it’s completely normal. In fact, it’s healthier to fight every now and then than to keep everything bottled up inside.
But when arguments are frequent and intense, the effect doesn't just stop at the relationship - it also affects the body, especially in the form of weight gain.
The study that proves this
According to a study, couples who fight a lot are more likely to gain weight, especially if one or both partners suffer from depression or mood disorders. When arguments are intense, they affect the way the body processes high-fat food – fewer calories are burned and metabolism slows down.
In relationships where arguments were frequent, couples burned an average of 31 fewer calories per hour, compared to couples who fought less often. And no, yelling or flailing your arms and legs to win an argument doesn't help burn calories.
experiment
Forty-three healthy couples, married for at least three years, participated in the study. They were first given a large meal containing 930 calories and 60 grams of fat. They were then asked to discuss topics that caused them stress and arguments.
Over the next few hours, the researchers measured their breathing and analyzed their blood. In addition to burning minimal calories, those who got more agitated had 12% more insulin in their blood – a hormone that favors fat storage and makes it harder to lose weight.
What is the solution?
The message is clear: instead of frequent outbursts, sometimes it's better to take a deep breath, take a break, and accept that you won't always agree. Yes, reconciliations after a fight can be beautiful, but even they lose their flavor when they are excessive.
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Source: Your Tango