Yes, it's possible to lose weight when you're in love. This isn't a guaranteed outcome, but several factors contribute to this phenomenon.
The Science Behind Love and Weight Loss
Many sources indicate a correlation between the initial stages of falling in love and weight loss. This is often attributed to a decreased appetite. As explained by a nutritionist, "people, when they fall in love, tend to eat less and therefore lose some weight." This reduced appetite is documented across various sources, including Business Insider, which cites eHarmony's research showing loss of appetite as an initial symptom of falling in love. https://www.businessinsider.com/signs-that-youre-falling-in-love-2018-1 Several other articles corroborate this, highlighting the reduced appetite and subsequent weight loss as a common experience. https://www.londondoctorsclinic.co.uk/blog/how-does-falling-in-love-affect-your-body/ https://www.cnn.com/2016/02/12/health/your-body-on-love/index.html
The reason for this decreased appetite isn't fully understood, but it's likely tied to the intense emotional and hormonal changes experienced during the early stages of a relationship. The overlap between brain circuits for eating and interpersonal relationships plays a role, as suggested by Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201402/6-ways-the-love-hormone-helps-you-lose-weight
Important Considerations
- While weight loss is possible, it's often temporary and relatively small. Significant weight loss is not usually associated with being in love.
- The effect varies widely depending on the individual and the nature of the relationship.
- Long-term relationships often correlate with weight gain, rather than loss, due to factors like shared meals and relaxed lifestyles. https://www.henryford.com/blog/2023/01/why-couples-gain-weight-and-tips-for-reversing-the-trend
