I found this article on MSN's Fitbie section (their health and fitness section I totally never knew about) that describes the same thing as the article I mentioned a while back that described the tendency for people in relationships to gain weight, except this article takes it from the other side and describes why it's better (maybe I should say "easier") to maintain your figure when you're single (and without kids).

The majority of the 7 points in this article are, again, pretty much opposites of why people in relationships gain weight:

1. You're your own priority. No one else to suck up your time except your friends, who are always around and aren't jealous or as demanding.
2. You live alone. Just as people in relationships gain weight when they live together, people who live alone (or at least, are more in control of their food and share less) eat exactly what they want, how much they want, and when they want. "A study of nearly 7,000 young adults published in the journal Obesity revealed that cohabitating increases the odds of becoming obese by 63% for women and 30% for men, while marriage doubles the risk of obesity for both genders." The next part I have an issue with: "Moving in together often leads to more home cooking—including heavy meals like steak and pasta, says Manuel Villacorta, RD, creator of Eating Free, a diet and weight-management program. “It also means staying at home and watching TV.” " First of all, this is the first time I've ever heard of home cooking being worse for you than eating out. Secondly, you don't have to be in a relationship to stay home and eat. I thought you go out more if you're in a relationship. Thirdly, you don't have to be in a relationship to stay home and watch TV. If anything, I stay home and watch TV more when I'm single. Manuel Villacorta, RD (whatever that means), I am not ever subscribing to Eating Free.
3. You get more exercise. I've heard both sides of this one. Actually, Ryan Seacrest on KIISfm posed this question to the people at the radio station and the listeners, and I think it was pretty even: those who got in relationships didn't feel the need to stay looking good anymore either consciously or subconsiously (in other words, they only worked out because they were scouting, or they put working out as a lower priority because they had someone already) versus those who were encouraged to work out by having an automatic workout buddy. The part I do agree with though is that when you're single you have your own schedule, making it easier to work out more often.
4. You eat like a girl. Self explanatory. If you're around people who eat a lot (as avg guys typically do, not that it's "a lot" but it's a lot compared to what avg girls should eat) you will eat a lot too.
5. You don't sync schedules. Self explanatory.
6. You distance yourself from drama. This one is based on the decrease of mental health that occurs from breaking up leading to weight gain. This one is weird because if you're broken up with someone doesn't that mean you're single now? This one also cited stress being a trigger for more eating.
7. You don't share a bed. You have a higher chance of getting a bad sleep if you share a bed, and getting enough sleep is crucial for both weight loss and your health in general.

The studies show an overwhelming majority of females in relationships gaining weight. I wish it was the other way around -- that women stayed the same and men lost weight in relationships! haha. Unfortunately it's hard to eat less and easy to eat more. Armando's lost weight since we got together: he goes out a lot less (because he's not scouting). Me, I'm in the best shape of my life. It all depends on how you set and keep your priorities. Well, I always said I never wanted us to be the typical couple, anyway. :)