While hopeless romantics look forward to Valentine’s Day and the adorably tacky stuffed animals, candy hearts and chocolate overload that accompany it, the dateless have one thing to feel good about — all those lovebirds will probably get fat.People in serious relationships put on more pounds over the years than their single peers, according to a 2008 study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With scientific proof now supporting the age old anecdote of being “fat and happy,” couples may find themselves wondering if those three little words are worth the weight.The UNC-Chapel Hill study shows women, on average, gain about nine pounds after settling in with a significant other, while men gain around six pounds. The cause for this “love lard,” as it has been fittingly branded, is something Newcastle University researchers call “dietary convergence.” As people spend a great deal of time with each other, they often start to acquire their significant other’s habits, gestures and, according to Newcastle’s study on co-habitating couples, even their eating habits. “When in … a relationship, a woman might find that she’s eating foods she’s never eaten before,” said Elizabeth Reames, professor and extension specialist at the LSU School of Human Ecology. “But now since [her] significant other eats it, [she’ll] just jump in and eat it too, without asking any questions or realizing that she wouldn’t have eaten [the food] otherwise.”Many women, without thinking, develop “plate envy” in a long-term relationship — they try and match what their other half eats, bite for bite. This, along with the regular dinner dates and innate comfort and lethargy that come with a happy relationship, is the perfect equation for “love lard,” the Newcastle study said.But not all cases of dietary convergence are negative, according to Newcastle’s studies. Serious relationships are often beneficial for men because they tend to adopt some of their girlfriend or wife’s healthier eating habits. Women, however, usually start eating more junk, and as a result, develop poor eating habits that cause unwanted weight gain.”In a way, women may think it’s OK [to gain weight] because the pressure of being single and … extremely attractive is off,” Reames said. “They become more relaxed and … sedentary. This only means that fewer daily calories are needed but instead of intaking [less calories], they’re eating more.”Sima Trambadia, elementary education junior, agrees with Reames’ analysis. Upon recalling past experiences, she said a major part of serious relationships involves constantly going out to eat and spending countless lazy hours with each other. However, Trambadia said it would take more than a change in physique to discourage her from dating altogether.”I’ve seen the weight-related consequences that come from being in love,” Trambadia said. “Now I know what to look out for. I’ll definitely be more aware of … my eating habits and … stay active. I’ll be better prepared.”But less “prepared” couples shouldn’t lose all hope   — there are many ways to put an end to bad habits and lose the relationship weight that don’t involve the loss of appetite brought on by a messy breakup. And even though Valentine’s Day may seem like the perfect excuse to gorge yourself on caramel-filled chocolates, Reames said couples should think about the long-term effects of their relationship and start taking steps toward a healthy lifestyle together. “The support of that other person is essential and usually all you need,” Reames said. “There have been extensive studies that show that if you can get your … significant other to adopt healthy habits, it can lead to happiness and good health for the both of you.”—-Contact Natalie Roy at [email protected]