Marriage triples the likelihood of becoming obese, research shows

Is marriage really better for your health?

Marriage can boost our wellbeing in a lot of ways. But according to a new study, it could potentially put us at risk of developing health issues like obesity.

It’s generally accepted that marriage can change our lives for the better.

To name a few perks, spouses benefit from unconditional love, emotional support and tax benefits.

But according to one study, tying the knot can put you at risk of obesity.

The link between marriage and obesity

A research team from the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Poland, studied health data from almost 2,500 people with an average age of 50.

The scientists found that the risk of being obese increased by 62 per cent for men who were married, and 39 per cent for married women.

Married men were three times more likely to be obese than single men. 

So why may married men gain significantly more weight than their single friends?

The scientists found that the risk of being obese increased by 62 per cent for men who were married, and 39 per cent for married women. Image: iStock

The study’s chief author, Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk reportedly said, “The attitude of society towards men living with obesity is different – they are treated more favourably than comparable women and mild obesity in men is acceptable. We assume that women accept life with overweight, but they cannot accept living with obesity and they are more likely than men to take various actions to lose weight – such as increased physical activity, and even returning to smoking tobacco.”

“Married men do not have to try so hard to maintain a normal weight if they are accepted by their partners. And female partners accept even men living with obesity if they satisfy their emotional and existential needs. So this may result in men paying less attention to their body weight and health.”

But they cannot accept living with obesity and they are more likely than men to take various actions to lose weight – such as increased physical activity. Image: iStock

Other factors increasing obesity rates

Growing rates of obesity are a cause for concern around the world. A 2021 study found that rates of obesity have doubled since 1990, and are expected to continue to rise. 

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in four Aussies were overweight or obese in 2022, with 10 per cent more men living with excess weight than women.

The research out of Poland also found an array of other factors which increased people’s risk of obesity.

The risk of being overweight grew with age in both men and women, while depression and a poor understanding of health significantly increased the risk in women.

Depression and a poor understanding of health significantly increased the risk in women. Image: iStock

Director of the Obesity Health Alliance, Katharine Jenner said, “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.

“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.”

Experts are urging governments and health professionals to do more to tackle rising rates of obesity in both men and women.

Consultant at the Men’s Health Forum, Jim Pollard said married men could be gaining weight as a result of stressful jobs and unhealthy meals.

He explained that "Men are more likely to die prematurely of heart disease and cancer, and weight is a key factor in these conditions.” 

“We need a more targeted approach to tackling men’s and women’s obesity.”

Originally published as Marriage triples the likelihood of becoming obese, research shows