If you were a blushing bride in the summer, there's a chance you are now experiencing a growing problem.

Instead of "comfort eating", you may find yourself eating because you are comfortable, happy and settled.

But do you find your clothes are getting tighter? What can you do?

First, let's look at the practical issues. Think about how your lifestyle may have changed since your wedding.

Are you at home more? Do you spend more cosy evenings at home in front of the television together?

Do you share a bottle of wine in the evening, which you might not have done on your own?

Do you eat out more and run around less?

All these things influence the simple equation: Putting on weight means you're eating more calories than you're expending in activity.

If you've answered those questions honestly and find you were just as active before you were married, here's another thing that contributes towards weight gain: Portion size.

It's quite likely you and your husband eat more regular meals together whereas before, you might have just grabbed a quick sandwich.

In theory, that sounds good but what often happens is your portion size grows.

You're spending longer at the table and many of us find it hard to sit and watch others eat so we tuck in.

Of course, you can't sit and watch your husband but you could make your portion size rather smaller than his.

It's not my approach to obsess about calories but I do say: "Don't count calories but calories do count'.

There's a reason traditional diets have different calorie allowances for men and women.

The amount of calories you burn up in a day is closely linked to your height. Even more than that, men have more muscle than women and muscle burns calories more efficiently than fat.

Sexual equality has a lot to answer for. Whether it's you or your husband cooking and serving, it has become fashionable to serve an equal portion to men and women.

But it isn't helpful.

Of course, it doesn't make for a pleasurable meal if you have to sit and watch your husband eat so train yourself to eat more slowly.

If you watch naturally slim people eating, that's one of the main differences.

They push their food around, talk more than they eat, never put the next mouthful in before they've fully swallowed the last one and often put their knife and fork down between each bit.

This way, they spin out a much smaller portion for much longer. They're certainly not sitting with an empty plate in front of them, looking as if they're "on a diet".

They're not tempted to take seconds because they haven't finished their first portion. They even leave food on their plate.

So whether it's lifestyle changes that may be affecting your weight or keeping up with your husband's portion size, I hope you manage to make changes that will gradually allow you to lose some weight.

You shouldn't have to go on a formal diet.

That never works. Just take these lifestyle steps seriously and you'll be fine. And, in case you thought you could escape, don't forget to commit to some regular exercise.

Dr Judy Citron can help you achieve permanent and healthy weight loss by coaching you one-to-one by email. "Judy really listens. I've never had such excellent support". Email her on ecoaching@thedietcoach.com or www.thedietcoach.com or phone free on 0800 074 0260