For Some, Weight Loss Could Hurt Their Marriage

If you've lost weight and your spouse is sabotaging your weight loss or being more negative or controlling in your marriage, your spouse may be intimidated, jealous, or threatened by the healthier, thinner you.

Your spouse may have feelings of:

• Envy. If your spouse can't or won't try to lose weight, feelings of envy could surface.
• Fear. Being jealous and believing that you will leave now that you weigh less could create feelings of fear in your spouse.
• Anger. Realizing a loss of control when your improved confidence helps you stand up for yourself and ask for respect could bring on anger from your spouse.

If you find yourself without a supportive spouse during or after weight loss, confront your mate about the negative behavior that needs to stop. Don't let his/her lack of support or negativity or attempts to control you convince you to not live a healthy lifestyle.

If your spouse continues to undermine you, you need to seek professional marriage counseling.