Marriage has been found to triple the risk of obesity for men, although the same does not apply to women, based on recent research findings. The risk of obesity has significantly increased worldwide, with over 2.5 billion adults and children currently classified as overweight or obese. Researchers from the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw recently examined the medical and health data of over 2,400 individuals to explore factors that contribute to weight gain. They discovered that, aside from poor diet and inactivity, marital status, mental health and other factors could also play a role in increased body weight. Married men were found to be 3.2 times more likely to be obese than single men, while married women showed no increase in obesity risk. The rise in male BMI has been linked to higher calorie intake and reduced exercise post-marriage. Age was also identified as a contributing factor to weight gain, with the risk of obesity increasing with each advancing year. The findings highlight the need for health policies that promote healthy choices and support at all stages of life, rather than blaming individuals for their weight gain. Expert opinions stress the importance of targeted approaches to address men’s and women’s obesity, considering various factors that contribute to weight gain.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/mar/12/marriage-triples-obesity-men-women-study