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Researchers Attractive partners can lead to eating disorders in women
Today, many people try to keep their bodies healthy and lean through exercise and nutrition. The body image can generally have a major impact on our choices and behaviors, especially in relation to our diet. Our perception of the body is consumed by many different factors. These include, for example, images in the mass media and our general mood. Researchers have now discovered that the attractiveness of a partner can be a driving force behind the desire for a healthy diet and a lean body. These effects are particularly strong in women.
The researchers at Florida State University found in their recent research that the attractiveness of the partner can have a major impact on women and their weight. If women have an attractive partner, this can cause these women to try to get as lean as possible. This may even lead to serious eating disorders in some cases. The experts published a press release on the results of their study.
If women have a partner who is more attractive, they may experience eating problems. Affected women often try to be as slim and attractive as possible themselves. There is a risk that such women develop eating disorders. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com) Physically attractive husbands can lead to underweight problems in women
The physicians found in their work that less attractive women were more motivated to pay attention to their diet and to get a slim body if their husbands were attractive. The results show that a physically attractive husband can have negative consequences for women, especially if these women are not particularly attractive, explains author Tania Reynolds.
More attractive women than you men have no increased risk for eating disorders
The additional motivation to diet was not found in women, who were more attractive than their husbands. In men, the motivation to diet was generally low, regardless of the attractiveness of their wife or their own, say the experts. The findings of the current study provide insights into the implications of relationships where the woman fears she will not meet her partner's expectations. Understanding the predictors that increase women's risk of developing eating disorders and other health problems could lead to better prevention and faster relief, the authors explain.
Social factors affect the eating habits of women
Current research also suggests that certain social factors may play a role in women's eating habits, says Reynolds. It could help sufferers, if women are recognized more quickly, if they are at risk of developing so-called extreme weight loss behavior, which is associated with various forms of mental distress, such as depression, anxiety, drug abuse and general dissatisfaction with life, adds the expert in addition.
Marriages are more successful when women are more attractive than their husbands
The study expanded existing research, which had previously found that marriages are more successful when women are more attractive than their husbands. For their work, the experts examined 113 newly married couples, all of whom were married for less than four months. All participants had to complete a long questionnaire, partly based on the desire for a diet or a slim body. Possible answers were: I feel guilty after eating, I like it when my stomach is empty or I'm afraid to gain weight.
Full-body photos of the subjects were evaluated for their attractiveness
A full body photograph was taken of each subject and scored on a scale of one to ten, the scientists explain. One group of researchers looked particularly at the facial appeal of the spouses, another team focused on the attractiveness of the body.
Men should always support their women and remind them of their strengths
The results of the research show that women tend to exaggerate when they want to be as thin as their partner. As a result, there may be inappropriate diets and underweight bodies, explains author Reynolds. To help their women, their partners should keep reminding them that they are beautiful and are loved regardless of weight or body shape. In addition, other strengths, apart from attractiveness, should also be emphasized. For example: I appreciate you because you are a friendly, smart and supportive partner, the expert continues.
How do attractive girlfriends affect the eating habits of women??
The next step should be that researchers are trying to find out if women are more motivated for a diet when surrounded by attractive girlfriends, Reynolds explains. If we understand how relationships between women affect diet and social predictors that lead to unhealthy eating habits, then we can better help those affected, the scientist adds. (As)