NEW STUDY SHOWS marriage causes weight gain. Here’s why…
In this DML Report…
A new study from Poland’s National Institute of Cardiology in Warsaw reveals a stark link between marriage and weight gain, particularly for men. Analyzing 2,405 adults averaging 50 years old, researchers found married men face triple the obesity risk (3.2 times higher) compared to unmarried men, alongside a 62% increased chance of being overweight. For women, marriage raises the overweight risk by 39%, but no significant obesity spike was noted. Presented at the European Congress on Obesity in May 2025, the findings challenge prior assumptions that marriage universally boosts health, especially for men.
Cultural attitudes may explain the gender gap, researchers suggest. Lead author Dr. Alicja Cicha-Mikołajczyk posits that society tolerates mild obesity in men more than in women, who face greater pressure to manage weight. The study also ties weight gain to aging, with risks rising yearly—3-4% for overweight and 4-6% for obesity across genders. Married participants showed higher rates of heart disease among the obese, underscoring health stakes beyond aesthetics.
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This Polish study contrasts with past research linking marriage to better male health, like a 2024 Canadian study on “optimal aging.” With 35.3% of participants at normal weight, 38.3% overweight, and 26.4% obese, it highlights a complex mix of social and biological factors driving weight trends in marriage.