Perceptions of weight change in romantic relationships: an examination of same-sex and opposite-sex couples

Nearly 40% of adults in the U.S. experience elevated weight and are at risk for a number of health consequences. One of the factors associated with weight in adulthood is relationship status. Research is needed to determine the extent to which romantic partners can accurately assess each other’s weight status. In this study, we examined same-sex and heterosexual romantic partners’ (N = 500, Mage = 29.3) perceptions of their own and their partners’ weight at the beginning of their relationship and at the time of data collection (on average, 4.8 years later). Height and weight were measured by researchers and used to calculate BMI and participants completed assessments of self-esteem, relationship quality, and other demographic factors. Perceived change in participants’ weight status was associated with their current BMI and the length of their relationship. Perceived changes in partners’ weight status was associated with their partners’ BMI, but also participants’ own BMIs and relationship quality. Gender and sexuality moderated the relationship between relationship length and participants’ perceptions of their partners’ weight change.M.A.Includes bibliographical reference