Dangers of a hot husband: Women with attractive partners suffer bad self esteem and are more likely to develop an eating disorder, study claims

  • A study analyzed how women can mis-perceive their attractiveness
  • They found women are more likely to crash-diet if they think they are less attractive than their husband
  • Men were rarely motivated to do the same, regardless of what they thought about their wife's appearance
  • Researchers said the research shows women tend to overperceive how thin their partners want them to be 
  • The study by Florida State Uni only looked at heterosexual relationships 

Women with attractive husbands are more likely to develop an eating disorder. 

Research from Florida State University shows wives who crash-diet to slim down are often driven to do so if they feel their husband is better-looking than them.

They found men were rarely motivated to do the same, regardless of how attractive they considered their wife to be. 

Experts say the research is key to improving resources for women who suffer eating disorders, and could be useful information for couples to keep in mind for their relationship. 

'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,' said lead author, doctoral student Tania Reynolds. 

Research from Florida State University shows wives who crash-diet to slim down are often driven to do so if they feel their husband is better-looking than them (file image)

Research from Florida State University shows wives who crash-diet to slim down are often driven to do so if they feel their husband is better-looking than them (file image)

'The results reveal that having a physically attractive husband may have negative consequences for wives, especially if those wives are not particularly attractive.' 

Reynolds added that research shows women tend to overperceive just how thin their partners want them to be and, as a result, may inappropriately pursue dieting and a thin body.

'One way to help these women is for partners to be very reaffirming, reminding them, "You're beautiful. I love you at any weight or body type,"' Reynolds said. 

'Or perhaps focusing on the ways they are a good romantic partner outside of attractiveness and emphasizing those strengths: "I really value you because you're a kind, smart and supportive partner."'

That extra motivation to diet did not exist among women judged more attractive than their husbands. As for men, their motivation to diet was low regardless of their wives' attractiveness or their own.

The study, published in the journal Body Image, offers productive insights about relationships.

It hones in on a scenario in which a woman fears she will fall short of her partner's expectations - something marriage counselors warn is all too common. 

Reynolds and fellow researcher Dr Andrea Meltzer, assistant professor of psychology at FSU, say understanding the predictors that increase a woman's risk of developing eating disorders and other health problems could lead to earlier assistance. 

The study advanced existing research from Dr Meltzer's lab that found marriages tend to be more successful and satisfying when wives are more attractive than their husbands.

It examined 113 newlywed couples - married less than four months, average age late 20s, living in the Dallas area - who agreed to be rated on their attractiveness.

Each participant completed a lengthy questionnaire focusing in part on their desire to diet or have a thin body. Some questions included, 'I feel extremely guilty after eating,' 'I like my stomach to be empty,' and 'I'm terrified of gaining weight.'

A full-body photograph was taken of every participant and rated on a scale of one to 10. 

Two teams of undergraduate evaluators studied the photos: one at Southern Methodist University in Texas focused on spouses' facial attractiveness, while another at FSU looked at body attractiveness. The evaluators varied in sex and ethnic makeup.

'The research suggests there might be social factors playing a role in women's disordered eating,' Reynolds said. 

'It might be helpful to identify women at risk of developing more extreme weight-loss behaviors, which have been linked to other forms of psychological distress, such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse and dissatisfaction with life.'

Dr Meltzer added: 'In order to better understand women's dieting motivations, the findings of this study highlight the value of adopting an approach that focuses on a couple's relationship.'

Reynolds thinks an interesting next step for research would be to explore whether women are more motivated to diet when they are surrounded by attractive female friends. 

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