'Mixed-Weight' Couples Argue More, Study Shows

But better communication can help

Mixed-weight couples, where one partner is overweight and the other one isn't, have more relationship conflict than same-weight couples, according to a new study. Researchers at the University of Puget Sound and the University of Arizona found that mixed-weight couples experienced more arguments and feelings of anger and resentfulness. Out of the 43 heterosexual couples in the study, the most conflict was reported when the man was a healthy weight and the woman was overweight. Also, mixed-weight couples who ate together often reported more conflict than those who didn't. But couples had less conflict when the overweight person reported feeling the partner was supportive of their efforts to exercise and eat a healthy diet. "That is significant because even though they are at risk for more conflict, there are communication mechanisms that can reduce this," says Tricia Burke, the study's lead author. (WSJ)

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