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London - New couples often vow to stick together through thick and thin. But men embarking on a new relationship may not realise just how literally their partner might take the thick part.

About 90 percent of women gain weight when they settle down with a long term partner, a British study has revealed.

The average woman puts on 7kg, with the majority (56 percent) starting to gain weight just four to six months in to the relationship.

This, according to the women polled, is when they reached the stage when they felt truly comfortable with their partner.

Of the 1 000 women polled by weight management company LighterLife, over a third blamed an increase in cosy nights in for their weight gain.

One in five said it was because they felt comfortable enough with their partner not to worry about their figure, while one in 10 said their weight gain was because they enjoyed a growing number of calorie-laden dinners together.

Mandy Cassidy, psychotherapist for LighterLife, says: “I regularly hear women say that their weight crept up a few months into a long-term relationship.

“When single or in the courtship stage, butterflies and a desire to look your best mean that staying trim is high on the agenda.

“As soon as things start to get serious many women realise that their partner will be there for them no matter what they look like. This, combined with lifestyle changes and matching male portion sizes, all result in excess weight.”

Of the 90 percent who said they gained weight after meeting their long-term partner, two thirds put on between 6kg and 19kg. A quarter gained less than 6kg and 12 percent put on over 12,5kg, placing them firmly in the overweight or even obese category.

GP Dr Hilary Jones says: “Women need 500 less calories a day than men, but when meals are prepared together it is easy to match the size of the portion.

“Just a few extra calories a day is enough for weight to creep on over time, as this survey demonstrates.” – Daily Mail