Tying the knot might come with more than just love and commitment—it could also bring extra pounds. A new study from the National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw reveals that marriage significantly increases the risk of weight gain, but men are hit the hardest.
Married men are 3.2 times more likely to become obese and 62% more likely to be overweight than their single counterparts. Women, on the other hand, don’t face the same obesity risk, but their chance of being overweight still jumps by 39%.
Why Do Married Men Pack on the Pounds?
Experts suggest that after marriage, men tend to eat more and exercise less, leading to a higher Body Mass Index (BMI)—especially within the first five years of marriage. This aligns with previous research on “happy fat,” a phenomenon where relationship satisfaction is linked to weight gain.
Other Key Findings:
- Age matters: Each passing year raises the risk of both obesity and being overweight for both men and women.
- Where you live counts: Women in small towns (populations under 8,000) are 46% more likely to be obese, but location had no effect on men’s weight.
With obesity on the rise, researchers are now exploring social, psychological, and environmental factors that drive these weight differences. One thing’s for sure—when it comes to marriage and weight gain, men have more to worry about.