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Having an attractive husband can trigger dieting problems for women

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Originally Posted: July 24, 2017

A handsome husband can be bad for women’s health by triggering dangerous dieting, according to new research.

Yet unsurprisingly the same does not apply to men. Even if their wife is a stunner, they feel no pressure to look after themselves.

The findings show a partner’s looks can be a driving force behind the desire to seek a slim body – but only for women.

Psychologist Tania Reynolds said: “The results reveal having a physically attractive husband may have negative consequences for wives, especially if those wives are not particularly attractive.”

But that extra motivation to diet did not exist among women judged more attractive than their husbands.

As for men they are prone to letting themselves go whether they have a beautiful wife, or partner, or not.

Doctoral student Ms Reynolds, of Florida State University, and co-author Professor Andrea Meltzer found women evaluated as less attractive were more motivated to diet and be thin if their husbands were handsome.

They said in today’s appearance-driven world, body image can be a powerful influence on our choices and behaviours, especially related to dieting. READ MORE