A recent study establishes a link between romantic commitment and a couple's waistline. FYI tells you why there are better ways of making a noise about marital bliss than let kilos do the talking

Being happy is not so happy after all, if a new study conducted by the University of North Carolina is to be believed. Exploring the relationship between romantic relationships and the waistlines and health of couples, it says how couples start piling on kilos in about 12 months after getting hitched.

Researchers tracked changes over a handful of years in the weight and relationship status of 6,949 individuals. Not only are married people more likely to turn obese than those who are just dating, but young women who move in with their partners tend to pack on kilos too.

The reasons can vary from the notion that you can let yourself go after hooking a long-term partner to a more regular eating pattern that sets in with marriage.

"Staying fit once you are married is essential since it gives you confidence to lay the foundation of your marriage, helping up your confidence at being attractive," says fitness trainer to celebrities, Deanne Pandey.

"Indian couples need to take extra care for a couple of months before and after getting hitched. Here, getting married is a huge social affair that incolves continuous socialising. Couples tend to eat a lot, with preparations leaving them no time for exercise." While women tend to gain weight around the stomach and hips, men develop beer bellies.

Deanne advices just-married couples to opt for yoga, an exercise that's effective in weight loss and helps de-stress easily.