The bad relationship habit scientifically linked to increased hunger and poor food choices

Can hostility in relationships lead directly to obesity? Check out the hunger-related hormone research in this article to learn the interesting truth.

A study at the University of Delaware recently established a strong correlation between marital distress and bad decision-making in regard to food.

According to the findings, hostile couples at a healthy weights or mildly overweight (not obese) produced much higher amounts of ghrelin, an appetite-triggering hormone. Hostility in relationships may lead directly to individual obesity. As we’ll learn below, those at healthy weights need to be the most concerned.

The study was intensive, bringing together various couples for a period of nine and a half hours. During this time, individuals remained with their spouse, ate a meal and then tried to resolve at least one of the major conflicts of their marriage.

These activities were followed with questions and hormone tests, performed at four different times throughout the study. Basics of the participants were also taken, including height, weight and age.

Results of hormone tests tell the story….

The hormone tests found that ghrelin, the appetite inducer of the body, was found in much higher quantities in couples who were considered “hostile” toward each other. However, leptin, the appetite suppressant, was not found.

These results were also the same regardless of gender.

While the study doesn’t offer proof that chronic or hostile arguing leads to greater hunger and, ultimately, comfort food choices, it does point to a hormonal correlation. It would seem that the more you fight in your relationship, the more personal stress you carry. Therefore, the more likely you will be to make bad food choices.

Most interestingly, the research also revealed that hostility did not affect hormones among individuals already classified as obese. Why aren’t the obese affected? No one knows.

The scary conclusion could be…

If you are at a healthy weight or mildly overweight, bad relationship habits could very well drive you toward obesity.

Beyond the obvious mental and physical health concerns with hostility in relationships, it’s just a good idea to learn to get along and actually care for your partner. Here are some resources that you might find helpful. Being at peace in your primary romantic relationship is worth any and all effort you put into it.

If you are a man, you must watch this video about your wife or female life partner:

If you’re concerned about your relationship compatibility and communication styles…

…and want the best way to align yourself with your partner on many levels, then you should look at Jake and Hannah Eagle’s online couple’s education program: Dating, Relating and Mating. There isn’t a better, more sophisticated yet simple approach to couple harmony anywhere.

Source:

UDEL.edu