6 Strange Ways Your Relationship Status Affects Your Health

New research finds that marriage really does affect your heart—but we're not talking about the lovey-dovey way. Married people have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than people who are single, divorced, or widowed, per this study of 3.5 million American adults.

Talk about a heartbreaker: People who feel like they're not getting support from their spouse are more likely to have high levels of coronary artery calcification, according to a recent study of 136 married couples.

Your ticker isn't the only body part that could be affected by your relationship: For women, there's a positive link between marriage quality and bone health, according to a recent study.

A 2012 study found that married woman drink more than divorced and single ladies. It's potentially because they're meeting their drinking buddies (a.k.a. their husbands) partway. Interestingly, married guys drink less than divorced men.

In a 2013 study, researchers found that the happier a woman is in her relationship, the more likely she is to have a positive body image. (Though you can use these self-confidence tips regardless of your love-life status.)

Guys who put a ring on are also more likely to put some weight on, per a recent study. (Find out how to help your partner pick up healthier habits here.)