Everyone knows that married people sometimes gain weight. You aren’t worrying about looking great for a potential mate anymore. Or you marry a great cook. Or you start building a life together where getting to the gym isn’t as easy as it once was. It happens. New research shows that married men are 3.2 times more likely to be obese than their unmarried peers.
The study used medical data from 2,405 people from Poland with an average age of 50. The researchers found that while married men were at a higher risk for obesity, married women were not. The researchers believe cultural attitudes toward women’s weight could be the reason.
However, while married women weren’t more likely to be obese, they were at a heightened risk of being overweight. They were 39 percent more likely to be overweight than unmarried women. Married men were 62 percent more likely to be overweight than unmarried men.
Older studies have shown that married men tend to have a healthier lifestyle than unmarried. They are often influenced by their spouses to drink less, quit smoking, eat better and go to the doctor. Because of that, they have better heart health and are more likely to survive heart attacks.
But, this new study shows that now everything can be fixed by having a spouse. Being overweight or obese puts a person at risk for metabolic health problems and other medical concerns.
“This study is yet another reminder that excess weight is driven by a complex mix of social, psychological and wider environmental factors – not simply personal choice. With each passing year, the risk of living with overweight or obesity increases, particularly for women. Meanwhile, the link between marriage and obesity in men highlights how lifestyle changes, habits and societal expectations shape our health,” said Katharine Jenner, the director of the Obesity Health Alliance. “The research also suggests that men may be more likely to gain weight after marriage due to factors like increased portion sizes, social eating and a decline in physical activity, whereas women perhaps remain more conscious of body weight due to societal pressures. Instead of blaming individuals, we need policies that make healthy choices the easy choices – through better food environments, education and support at every stage of life.”
The great thing about marriage is having a partner in everything you do. If you or your spouse struggles with managing weight, you can make it a journey you go on together. Sometimes, doing a healthy routine together can be the best way to progress toward your goals. You’ll both get strong and healthy while spending time together!
