Study finds married men gain weight more than women

New research revealed that marriage significantly raises the likelihood of obesity in men, while women remain largely unaffected.

The study, conducted by scientists at the National Institute of Cardiology (CWBK) in Warsaw, Poland, examined health data from over 2,400 individuals, shedding light on how marital status influences weight gain.

According to the findings, married men are more than three times as likely to become obese compared to their unmarried counterparts. Additionally, marriage increases the risk of being overweight by 62 percent in men and 39 percent in women. However, for women, the risk of obesity itself does not rise after marriage.

The study, presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO) in Málaga, Spain, adds to previous research suggesting that lifestyle changes associated with marriage—such as increased calorie intake and reduced physical activity—contribute to weight gain in men.

A 2024 study in China found that male body mass index (BMI) tends to rise within the first five years of marriage. Similarly, earlier research from the University of Bath indicated that married men, on average, weigh 1.4kg more than those who are single.

Age was also identified as a key factor in weight gain. With each passing year, the likelihood of becoming overweight rises by 3 percent in men and 4 percent in women, while the probability of obesity increases by 4 percent in men and 6 percent in women.

Interestingly, some risk factors were found to affect only women. Depression was linked to a twofold increase in obesity risk among women, while limited health literacy raised the likelihood by 43 percent. Women living in smaller communities were also more prone to obesity, whereas these factors did not appear to influence men’s weight in the same way.

Experts emphasize that obesity is a multifaceted issue shaped by social, psychological, and environmental factors. Katharine Jenner, director of the Obesity Health Alliance, stressed the need for policy interventions rather than placing blame on individuals.

“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,” she said.

Joanna Syrda, a researcher at the University of Bath, noted that the findings align with earlier research showing that single men tend to put more effort into maintaining their physique compared to married men, who may adopt different eating habits influenced by their relationships.

Meanwhile, Jim Pollard of the Men’s Health Forum cautioned against drawing overly broad conclusions from the study, pointing out that other factors, such as job-related stress and long working hours, may also play a role.

He highlighted the need for gender-specific health strategies, stating, “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.”