Married people twice as likely to become fat than their single counterparts

London, Mar 20 : Wondering what wedding present to buy for your friend? Well, a gym membership might be a good idea. A new study has claimed that people who are married are twice as likely to become obese than their single counterparts.

And Greek boffins put the blame on changed lifestyle for the increased weight, as married couples "let themselves go".

The research was based on the study of more than 17,000 couples aged between 20 and 70, reports The Telegraph.

From analyses, it was found that married couples exercised less frequently, had less sex, had poor nutrition and were "comfortable" in their lives.

Married couples spend more time eating together, sit in front of the TV more and often order takeaway ready meals while exercising less.

The study was presented on Friday to the Panhellenic Medical Conference.

Scientists from Salonica and Ioannina Universities concluded that "abdominal obesity, or belly fat" was the worst problem among married people.

Prof Dimitris Kiortsis, one of the study''s co-authors, from Ioannina University who is also president of the Hellenic Medical Association for Obesity, said most married couples also have less sex, which is considered intense exercise that burns calories.

The expert commented: "The need to hunt for a partner is reduced".