After wedding, newlyweds gain weight

DALLAS, June 26 (UPI) -- An old saying that married couples gain weight turns out to be true, a U.S. expert says.

Lona Sandon of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas says research has shown married people gain an average of 6 to 9 pounds more than singles. However, couples have a few things going for them if they want to keep the weight off.

"The best thing couples have is that they can encourage each other, work out together and watch their food intake -- together," Sandon, who is also a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, says in a statement. "They can encourage each other, work out together and watch their food intake -- together."

Newlyweds also generally have a lot of wedding presents and kitchen gadgets such as roasting pans and non-stick cookware that can help cut down on added fat when cooking.

"Rather than going out to eat all the time, they should learn how to use all their gadgets to create fun, healthy meals at home," Sandon says. "Home cooking is almost always easier on the scale and the pocketbook. Just be sure to prevent second and third helpings by only cooking enough for two."