The link between marriage and obesity has been a topic of interest, especially for men, as a recent study suggests that being married triples the risk of obesity in men. The research findings, to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain, revealed that the risks of being overweight increase for both men and women when married, but the impact seems particularly significant for men. Conducted on couples in Poland, the study found that marriage increases the risk of obesity by 62% in men and 39% in women, compared to those who are unmarried. However, the study also found that married men were 3.2 times more likely to be obese than unmarried men, while no such link was found for married women compared to unmarried women. Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk from the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw, Poland, who led the study, highlighted that the lack of a similar link in women could be due to cultural differences in attitudes towards obesity in men and women.
The research study also noted that age plays a significant role in the risk of being overweight or obese for both sexes. According to the findings, each year of increased age raises the risk of being overweight by 3% in men and 4% in women, and the risk of obesity by 4% in men and 6% in women. Additionally, the study highlighted that inadequate health literacy and reporting at least borderline depression were associated with an increased risk of obesity in women, citing a 43% higher risk for those with inadequate health literacy and a doubled risk for those reporting borderline depression. In contrast, these associations were not found in men. The research was based on data from 2,405 individuals from the Multi-centre National Population Health Examination Survey, with participants typically aged 50 and comprising various weight categories, including normal weight, overweight, and obese individuals.
The implications of these findings suggest that marriage and age can significantly influence the likelihood of being overweight or obese in adulthood, regardless of sex. Additionally, the study points towards the importance of health literacy and mental well-being in combating obesity, especially in women. Dr Cicha-Mikolajczyk emphasised that promoting health knowledge and interventions for mental health could help address the concerning rise in obesity levels. These results shed light on the complex interplay of social and individual factors in relation to weight management and highlight the importance of tailored approaches to address obesity issues in different demographic groups.
As the discussion around marriage and obesity continues, the study’s findings provide valuable insights into the factors that may contribute to weight gain within marital relationships. The possible cultural influences on perceptions of obesity in men and women add a nuanced layer to the conversation, suggesting that societal attitudes and behaviours play a significant role in shaping individuals’ health outcomes. Moving forward, further research and interventions focusing on promoting health literacy, mental well-being, and healthy lifestyle habits could play a crucial role in addressing the obesity epidemic and supporting individuals in managing their weight effectively. By understanding the multifaceted nature of obesity risk factors, healthcare professionals and policymakers can develop targeted strategies to combat this growing public health concern.