News: Marriage makes women gain weight; for men, it’s divorce

In relationships, I tend to gain a few pounds, a combined result of less gym time and eating larger (and sometimes less healthy) meals with my man. Add these changes to the overall attitude of comfort in a relationship and it’s a disaster for my waistline.

So it’s no surprise that a new study has found marriage can lead to weight gain. What’s interesting however, is that women are more likely than men to gain weight after marriage, while men are more at risk for a significant weight gain after a divorce.

“Clearly, the effect of marital transitions on weight changes differs by gender,” Ohio State University researcher Dmitry Tumin said in the release posted by EurekAlert. "Divorces for men and, to some extent, marriages for women promote weight gains that may be large enough to pose a health risk."

Age was also a factor in the liklihood of gaining weight after a marriage or divorce. For those who were married or divorced in their 20s, the probability of gaining weight was much lower than for those aged 30 to 50.

While researchers took into account other factors that may influence weight gain (such as pregnancy), the study didn’t offer any conclusions as to why these changes in weight occurred. However, it was suggested that women have a larger role around the house than men, and as a result, less time to exercise.

Why do you think weight gain occurs for women and men after marriage and divorce, respectively?

Related:
‘ Is your partner making you gain weight?
‘ Debate: Would you dump your partner if he/she got fat?
‘ 6 things that make men gain weight