A new study published in Gut Microbes has revealed a striking link between marital quality and obesity risk. Researchers examined how social relationships influence the brain, metabolism and eating habits through the hormone oxytocin — and found that emotional support may be as important for health as diet or exercise.
Nearly one hundred participants were evaluated. The scientists performed brain scans while participants looked at images of food, collected biological samples and assessed eating behaviour and emotional well-being. The most compelling results came from married individuals who felt strong emotional support from their partners: they had lower BMI and fewer signs of food addiction.
When shown food, these participants displayed increased activity in brain regions responsible for self-control and appetite regulation. Married people without such support showed weaker responses, while single participants showed almost none.
Supported spouses also had higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone that regulates bonding, appetite and gut function. The researchers suggest that oxytocin may act as a mediator between the brain and metabolism, helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Although the study was small, the findings are significant. Long-term relationships may serve as a “training ground” for self-control, strengthening the same neural pathways that regulate eating behaviour.