Why regular fighting with your partner can also make you FAT

Heading straight to the fridge or take away menu after a fight with your partner?

You're certainly not alone. 

A new study published in Clinical Psychological Science found that relationship stress and bickering with your other half can in fact work up a real appetite.

Researchers at the University Of Deleware and Ohio State University studied the interactions of more than 40 couples, who have been together for longer than three years. 

They filmed them eating meals together and then also kept a camera on them when the couple tried to resolve relationship issues. 

When the 'problem discussions' took place, the scientists observed how the pair communicated, their hostility levels and even subtle details like put-downs and eye rolls.

While filming took place, researchers took blood tests so they could examine hormone levels before and after the exchanges. They also examined their heights, weights, BMIs and typical diets. 

And as it turns out, couples who had a more hostile exchange saw a surge in the appetite-triggering hormone ghrelin, post-arguement. 

Results also showed that couples with the most stress in their relationship had poorer diets overall.

The conclusion of the research showed that the uncontrolled hunger some couples experience after fighting could have negative long-term health implications, such a worsened emotional eating and obesity.