Improved Marital Relationship Reduces Weight and Benefits the Heart

The study linked the improvement of marital relations and weight loss.

A recent British study found that married men who have improved their relationship with their wives over the years may see a positive change in their health that reduces the risk of heart disease and is associated with weight loss.

The researchers, led by Dr. Ian Bennett-Britton of the University of Bristol, examined data of 620 couples and assessed risk factors that could lead to heart disease such as blood pressure, cholesterol, weight and blood sugar level.

The study found a correlation between changes in marital relationship level and changes in heart health.

“We found a link between improved relationships and reduced levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and relative weight loss, compared to those who have good relationships at all times,” Bennett-Britton said in an e-mail. “The deterioration of relationships is linked to poor blood pressure.”

“Monitoring changes in risk factors may take a long time, and the changes observed in the study were limited,” the researchers said in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

The study also linked improved marital relationships and weight loss. Degraded relationships have been associated with poor blood pressure.

Carnegie Mellon University of Pittsburgh psychologist Brian Chin, who was not in the study, said the findings further suggest that marital status can affect health.

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