I believe this is true for men but not so much for women, in general. Most men see their spouses and families as a reflection of them and yes, as a bit of status (or lack of). I grew up thinking this is the way it’s always been and as I’ve aged, I’ve seen that play out to be true more often than not.
No, I am not embarassed by my overweight partner but I know he is very sensitive about how I look. I’ve known him when we were casually dating to remark about the bodies of other women and also his ex wife. I’m usually stick thin so I’ve never felt threatened until recently when I did gain some weight. He wouldn’t make me feel bad about it but I know it bothers him, as though it might signal the end of my looks.
If my weight stayed as it is right this minute, I know my partner wouldn’t diminish his love but I also know I he wouldn’t find me as sexually attractive. I know for sure it’s not pictures of me he looks at on his tech gizmos. Still, I’d be a fool if I expected to be the same in his eyes as before.