8 ways to take tubby out of a twosome

By Michael W. Rosen, M.D. Ah, the thrill of romance — sharing home-cooked meals, companionship, special events and restaurant dining. Then comes a step on the scales. Yikes! What happened? It's the "love spread," those pounds packed on after couples enter committed relationships or tie the marriage knot. In fact, if one spouse becomes obese, the likelihood that the other spouse will follow increases by 37 percent, according to one study. Schedules, habits and patterns change. More meals, larger helpings, missed gym sessions, snacking together, juggling families and jobs, complacency — they all add up. Many of us gain 15 or more pounds in our early adult years, but people who live with a partner often gain more. Within five years, newly married women gain an average of 24 pounds, and men gain an average of 30 pounds, according to a study presented at the Obesity Society annual scientific meeting. Amy Gorin, Ph.D., a University of Connecticut researcher who focuses on strategies for long-term weight loss, offers these tips to nip pudge in the bud: 1. Commit early to a healthful home. Subscribe to healthful-cooking magazines and try the recipes together. Support each other's workout schedules, too. 2. Weigh in regularly. When you step on a scale every day, the instant feedback gives you a chance to assess trends and make changes before habits become deeply ingrained. 3. Downsize dinnerware. Control portion sizes with smaller plates and bowls. 4. Cull the cabinets. "Once a month, go through the pantry and make sure high-fat, high-sugar items aren't sneaking back into your home," advises Dr. Gorin. 5. Team up for positive results. Choose activity over being sedentary. Bike, walk, take a yoga class, go dancing — anything active works. Remember, you have an advantage as a couple: an automatic exercise partner. Just be sure to check with your doctor before significantly increasing your level of physical activity. 6. Don't ditch your favorite solo exercises. If an aerobics class and early morning run were important before the relationship, keep it up. 7. Beware of the garbage-can effect. Nibbling your way through food prep and cleanup tastes good but can add unwanted pounds. 8. Stay positive and supportive. "Nagging, controlling comments and unwanted policing usually backfire," Dr. Gorin says. "They really undermine someone's motivation." So, compliment and encourage each other's efforts.