STUDY: Women with handsome husbands have higher risk of unhealthy eating habits

When the wife is asked about the disadvantages of having a handsome husband, you'd probably answer something along the lines of being insecure that they're more prone to being tempted to cheat. But here's something you probably haven't heard before: a study has found that those with handsome husbands have been found to be more at risk for developing unhealthy eating habits.

According to research out of Florida State University, having an attractive spouse can not only lead to disordered eating, it can also cause strain on a woman's mental health. If a woman perceives herself to be less good looking than her spouse, then she's even more at risk of poor eating habits.

How? First, the wife with the handsome husband become more conscious of their weight, resulting in pressure to count calories, binge eat and even, in some cases, induce vomiting.

"If we understand how women's relationships affect their decision to diet and the social predictors for developing unhealthy eating behaviors then we will be better able to help them," doctoral student and study researcher Tania Reynolds said in a statement sent to Medical Daily.

Reynolds and her team arrived at these findings by collecting data from 113 newlywed couples, who were all in their late 20s. They evaluated attractiveness based on supposedly unbiased feedback from undergraduate students of different genders and ethnicity.

What is disordered eating?

According to EatingDisorders.org, disordered eating differs from eating disorders, but it refers to different forms of abnormal eating, including binge eating, exaggerated calorie counting, laxative abuse, and forced vomiting.

It's less severe than eating disorders, clarifies Psychology Today, because those who suffer from disordered eating do not engage in unhealthy eating habits as often as those who have eating disorders.

How can you help your wife if she suffers from disordered eating?

If you suspect your wife suffers from this condition, it's important to know that it's not only affecting her physical health but her mental well being as well. Affirm her of her beauty and importance. Looking beyond looks is also important, celebrating her many strengths and all the good things she brings to your life.

Be patient, loving, and never tire of satiating her hunger for praise and affection to help her battle dangerous eating habits.

sources: Medical Daily, Psychology Today, EatingDisorders.org

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