These subtle (read: not insulting or annoying) strategies will help deflate your guy's spare tyre without doing the same thing to his ego.

Challenge Him
Appeal to his competitive side with a friendly bet or contest à la The Biggest Loser, and keep a chart of your progress. "It's likely that seeing your success will get his competitive juices going," says clinical psychologist Susan Albers, author of 50 Ways to Soothe Yourself Without Food.

Dangle A Carrot
Studies confirm that bribery works when it comes to weight loss, so recognise his effort with a reward, suggests registered dietician Megan Pentz-Kluyts. Just don't make the reward food. Rather do something like give him a full body massage for every five kilograms he loses.

Gear Up
We all know guys love gadgets, so getting him interested in a fitness-related toy may get him off the couch. "Treat him to a pedometer or a pair of cool running shoes," Albers says. "Having the right gear may help motivate him."

Cook For Him
"Substituting low-fat ingredients that won't compromise on taste is a good way to cut kilojoules without making him feel restricted," Pentz-Kluyts says. For example, use fat-free yoghurt instead of sour cream the next time you cook beef stroganoff or a carbonara pasta.

When you get comfortable and secure in a relationship, the figure on the scale tends to creep up. For more advice on how to keep the "boyfriend layer" at bay, see the July/August issue of Women’s Health.