The power of love has us unbuttoning our pants for all the wrong reasons

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New figures show three quarters of Australians admit to stacking on weight since meeting their significant other.

With Valentine's Day set to wash a loving glow over the country next week many of us have plans of heading to restaurants of cooking romantic dinners, but we're being reminded to keep our health and diets in check.

Research from Cambridge Weight Plans reveals 76 per cent of Australians in a relationship have gained weight, with WA producing the highest rate at more than 80 per cent.

Even during the honeymoon phase, less than a few months in West Australians said they gained around five kilograms, again making the state the highest recorded figure.

The average Aussie piles on 3 kilos within the first few months of dating and at four years into a relationship, our belt buckles expand to accommodate an extra 8 kilos.

Around 58 per cent of lovers blame their weight gain on changing eating habits, including eating out more often and blaming their spouse for eating larger portions.

One in two (54%) admit that their growing waist lines are driving a wedge between them and their significant other, with sex lives suffering the
most. More than 1 in 5 (22%) admit to being too embarrassed to be seen naked and confess to having sex less often.

There are concerns from some dietitians on unhealthy weight gain, with Western Australians boasting the largest and most rapid numbers in the whole country.

Over 20 per cent of West Aussies gained more than 20 kilograms during the course of one relationship. 

As part of its research Cambridge Weight Plan introduced a new challenge for couples to #Choose2Lose together and lighten the load on their relationship. 

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