Heavier women have lower quality relationships - but not men

Dr. Janet D. Latner, a professor of Psychology at the University of Hawaii and her colleagues examined body image, weight, romantic relationships and differences between men and women.

The study suggested that heavier women had lower quality relationships, which they predicted were more likely to end. They also partnered with less desirable men and believed that their partners would rate them as less warm/trustworthy.

Furthermore, the partners of heavier women rated these women's bodies less positively and judged them as poorer matches to their ideal partners for attractiveness.

In general, for heavier men, similar findings were not reported.

Dr. Latner said: "Prejudice and discrimination are commonly directed at overweight individuals. However, few previous studies have examined whether weight stigma occurs within established romantic relationships. Our results suggest it does."

-IANS