Men more likely to flaunt a revenge body to their ex

 While masks protect us from COVID-19, they do not protect us from broken hearts and the past 12 months resulted in strained relationships across the country.

New research from 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan reveals that one-in-five (21%) Aussies and one-in-two (49%) millennials now blame the pandemic for casting doubts on their relationship.

In retaliation, one-in-five (19%) Aussies admit after a relationship breakdown they've kicked the kilos to the curb to feel better about themselves, but more importantly, to show-up their doubting partner with a revenge body.

Sporting his very own revenge body, Anthony previously tipped the scales at 108kg, "I had quit smoking and I relied on food to get me through, but as my metabolism slowed down, I gained 28kg.

"I was also in a relationship which centred around food, so health wasn't a priority for me at all. As soon as the relationship ended, I decided to try the 1:1 Diet and start my new health journey," Anthony says.

The revenge body has become a popular way to regain confidence after a breakup (25%), with almost a third of women (31%) and a quarter of men (25%) choosing to lose weight post breakup.

Psychologist Jemma Doley says, "With increased strain on relationships at present, choosing healthy ways to deal with a breakup, and to lose weight in a sustainable way is so important.

"Drawing on your support network to deal with a breakup is so valuable.  If weight loss is important to you post-break up, focus on achievable goals like building up a daily exercise routine that you enjoy, or enlisting support," Jemma says.

Interestingly, the research further revealed that men are more likely (21%) to ensure that they 'accidentally' run into their ex to flaunt their revenge body by going to places they know their ex will be and posting on social media excessively.

"I did post photos on social media, but I did it for myself, my family and friends. I didn't need validation from my ex, I was so confident and have never felt better in my own skin, so I wanted to share my journey with the world," Anthony says.

Jemma says it's important to stay focussed during tough times, "Making sure that you have the skills and resources to know how to lose weight is important to help set yourself up for success – a sense of competence is an important psychological need which can increase our feelings of motivation.

"Having the support and accountability from a consultant, is a great way to build the skills to feel confident in losing weight in a healthy and sustainable way," Jemma says.

With the majority of relationships still surviving the pandemic, this Valentine's Day, The 1:1 Diet by Cambridge Weight Plan is encouraging couples to kick the kilos together, using their weight loss journey to build stronger relationships and enjoy each other's revenge bodies without breaking up.