One of the main roles of our significant other is to be our support system; it’s no different in our weight loss journey. There was actually a study done to observe the benefits of lifestyle changes in couples. What they found is more a reinforcement as oppose to a revelation, we’re more likely to make adjustments to our lifestyle and stick with them if our significant other joins us in changing their lifestyle as well.

“Unhealthy lifestyles are a leading cause of death from chronic disease worldwide. The key lifestyle risks are smoking, excess weight, physical inactivity, poor diet, and alcohol consumption. Swapping bad habits for good ones can reduce the risk of disease, including cancer,” says Professor Jane Wardle, one of the study’s authors and director of Cancer Research UK’s Health Behavior Research Centre at UCL (University College London).

Lasting lifestyle adjustments can be difficult to keep up, especially if you go at it alone. However, having someone consistently providing encouragement is needed to get going and if you can provide encouragement in return it only increases the likelihood that both parties are successful. Remember, support and encouragement doesn’t stop at your significant other, don’t hesitate to include your friends or co-workers as well in this journey as well.