Ahh, spring time. Everything is greener, birds are singing and bees are helping the flowers grow. Speaking of the birds and the bees (did you see that one coming?) there’s a lot more to falling in love than blushing, a pounding heart and, well, intimacy. When you look at what your body actually goes through, from the moment you see someone you might be attracted to, all the way to spending a lifetime together, falling into and being in love are a great way to burn more calories, increase metabolism, potentially lose weight and even reduce your cellulite. In an article called “The Science Behind Falling in Love”, Mary Adeli Lynn, Codirector of the Loyola Sexual Wellness Clinic, tells us what happens in our brains and bodies when we fall in love.

1. At First Sight

Whether you believe in it or not, there is an initial reaction phase of falling in love, actually more akin to desire, that can begin as soon as you first see someone you might be interested in. That reaction releases adrenaline and norepinephrine production, which increases heart rate and burns fat more effectively (at the level of mid-intensity aerobic exercises – even if you aren’t moving a muscle)

2. Getting Close

As you get more acquainted and comfortable, the stimulated pleasure centre of your brain reduces the levels of serotonin in your body, which increases feelings of longing and intimacy. And your brain also keeps giving you quick hits of adrenaline as you realize you’re ‘in love’.

3. Being Attached

Your body eventually gets used to the onslaught of hormones released in the early stages of falling in love. So it changes tracks and gives you shots of endorphins and the hormone oxytocin. Endorphins reduce pain and promote a sense of wellbeing. Oxytocin, known by some as the ‘cuddle’ hormone, encourages bonding and trust. Both of them have been shown to help reduce weight.

4. Ongoing Love

As time passes, there’s a reduction in the release of the hormones related to falling in love. But they can be quickly rekindled by simple actions like holding hands or, if you want to put in more effort to get back that ‘love at first sight ‘ feeling, plan a sexy surprise. There’s one more way that falling in love can help you reduce cellulite. There has been a long-proven link between feelings of gratification and comfort and increased weight loss.