Gaining Weight in a New Relationship as a BBW - Causes and Healthy Solutions

Gaining Weight in a Relationship as a BBW

Being in a new relationship can sometimes lead to weight gain, which can be concerning for some bigger beautiful women (BBWs). There are several potential causes of gaining extra pounds in a relationship as a BBW and solutions to get back on track without jeopardizing your health or happiness.

Why Gaining Weight in a Relationship Happens

There are a few common reasons BBWs may gain weight after entering a new relationship, including:

Increased Eating Out

Dining out more frequently makes it harder to control portions and ingredients. Restaurant meals tend to be higher in calories, fat, and carbs.

Less Meal Planning

New couples often eat impromptu meals rather than planning home cooking. This can lead to more takeout and processed options.

Different Lifestyle

If your new partner has different eating habits or daily routines, it can disrupt your normal healthy lifestyle.

Less Motivation to Exercise

You may ditch the gym more often to spend time with your new love interest, reducing physical activity.

Emotional or Stress Eating

New relationships bring excitement but also anxiety that can trigger emotional eating behaviors.

Comfortable and Content

Feeling comfortable and happy with a stable partner sometimes promotes overindulgence or laziness with health habits.

Different Priorities

At the start of a relationship, fitness and nutrition often become less of a priority than romance.

Cooking to Impress

You may cook more decadent, higher calorie dishes when eating at home to wow your new mate.

How Much Weight Gain in a Relationship is Normal?

It's common for both men and women to gain some weight after coupling up. Some slight increases like:

• 5-10 lbs in the first year
• 10-15 lbs after 3 years
• 15-20+ lbs after 5+ years

However, large gains early on may signal unhealthy patterns requiring attention. Try to keep early relationship gains under 10 pounds.

Problems Caused by Gaining Weight in a Relationship

While a few extra pounds initially may not seem like a big deal, ongoing relationship weight gain can cause issues like:

Reduced Self-Esteem

Gaining a significant amount of weight can hurt confidence and self-image for some women.

Increased Health Risks

Obesity increases the chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.

Sex and Intimacy Struggles

Body image issues or low libido related to health declines may interfere with intimacy.

Relationship Stress

Resentment or less mutual attraction can emerge over major weight gains impacting the partnership.

Feeling Out of Control

Rapid weight gain with no obvious cause can leave you feeling frustrated and powerless.

Financial Strain

Medical costs rise with obesity-related conditions. Needing a new wardrobe strains budgets.

Depression Risk

The combination of reduced self-worth, health struggles, and relationship tension heightens depression odds.

When to Worry About Relationship Weight Gain

See your doctor if you:

• Gain more than 10 lbs in the first 6-12 months
• Continue gaining significant weight year after year
• Experience sudden increased appetite and cravings
• Suspect an underlying medical or mental health issue

Rapid gains early on or consistent large increases yearly are causes for medical evaluation. Rule out any underlying condition contributing to your weight gain.

How to Avoid Gaining Too Much Weight in a New Relationship

To help maintain your health and confidence as a BBW in a new romance, try to:

Discuss Healthy Lifestyle Goals

Talk openly about your eating and exercise habits and goals for wellness. Make it a shared priority.

Plan Active Dates

Choose fun active dates like hiking, bowling, skating, or taking a couples' workout class.

Cook More Meals Together

Grocery shop and prepare more dinners at home for quality time and control over ingredients.

Portion Control When Dining Out

Share dishes, take leftovers home, and avoid overdoing calorie-dense foods when eating at restaurants.

Meal Prep for the Week

Stay on track with healthy homemade breakfasts, lunches, and snacks batch cooked on your day off.

Limit Alcohol

Cut back on alcoholic drinks, which are empty calories. One or two low calorie cocktails per week is enough.

Indulge Mindfully

If enjoying treats like dessert, do so slowly and intentionally, savoring just a few bites. Don't mindlessly overeat.

Schedule Exercise Time

Commit to workouts by putting them on your calendar. Couples' workouts are great too.

Address Emotional Eating

Keep anxiety and excitement in check. Don't eat feelings. Portion control your comfort foods.

Monitor Your Progress

Weigh yourself weekly. If the scale climbs, reassess your habits before it gets out of hand.

How to Lose Weight Gained in a Relationship

If you've already gained weight, implement strategies like:

Cut 200-500 Calories Daily

Create a modest calorie deficit for steady weight loss over time without extreme restriction.

Reduce Portion Sizes

Use smaller plates and serving utensils. Stop eating when you're satisfied, not stuffed.

Limit Processed Food and Takeout

Prioritize lean proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and home cooking over packaged and restaurant fare.

Meal Prep and Meal Plan

Take an hour or two each weekend to batch cook healthy meals and snacks for the week ahead.

Increase Non-Exercise Activity

Take a walk together after dinner, park farther away, take the stairs more, fidget, and stay on the move.

Lift Weights 2-3 Times Per Week

Add strength training to maintain metabolism boosting muscle mass.

Do Cardio 4-5 Days Per Week

Perform 30-60 minutes of moderate cardio like brisk walking, cycling, swimming, etc.

Drink More Water

Stay hydrated to control hunger and support fat loss.

Manage Stress

Destress through relaxing activities to avoid emotional eating. Get good sleep.

When to Seek Professional Help for Relationship Weight Gain

Consult a doctor, registered dietitian, or mental health professional if you:

• Gain a large amount of weight quickly
• Are obsessively worrying about weight
• Experience depression or self-esteem issues
• Engage in emotional, compulsive, or binge eating
• Don't feel in control of choices related to diet or exercise
• Don't lose weight despite major effort in diet and exercise

Seeking guidance can help identify any underlying medical conditions or mental health struggles contributing to excess relationship weight gain.

How Your Partner Can Support Losing Weight Gained in a Relationship

The support of your significant other goes a long way when trying to slim down. A partner can help by:

• Complimenting you for more than your appearance
• Exercising together and being active
• Eating healthy home cooked meals together
• Discouraging you from extreme or unhealthy diets
• Praising your effort and perseverance
• Not pushing you to lose weight or making you feel bad
• Listening and providing emotional support
• Making healthier choices themselves
• Celebrating non-scale victories like more energy or less joint pain

The Takeaway on Gaining Weight in New Relationships

It's normal to gain some weight when you first start a relationship for a variety of reasons. But try to keep major increases in check through meal planning, active dates, and paying attention to patterns.

If you've already gained weight, focus on creating a small calorie deficit and adding more activity into your routine with your partner's support. Prioritize health and self-confidence regardless of what the scale says.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.