Greek researchers found that married couples were more likely to become fat due to their significantly changed lifestyle as they “let themselves go”.

The research, based on the study of more than 17,000 couples aged between 20 and 70, found that married couples exercised less frequently, had less sex, had poor nutrition and were “comfortable” in their lives.



Married couples spend more time eating together, sit in front of the TV more and often order takeaway ready meals while exercising less.

Scientists from Salonica and Ioannina Universities, who presented their research on Friday to the Panhellenic Medical Conference, in Athens, concluded that “abdominal obesity, or belly fat” was the worst problem among married people.

"Obesity is the biggest threat to public health in the entire world", he said.

Adults in Britain are recommended to take 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on at least five days a week.

Latest figures show that one in four people in Britain are obese.