Gaby
A team of researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences has found that men often let themselves go within the first five years of marriage. They tend to consume more calorie-dense foods and engage in less physical activity.
The researchers specifically discovered that marriage correlates with a significant impact on men’s body mass index (BMI), which gradually increases. The obesity rate among them rises by 2.5 percent. After the first five years of married life, men’s BMI levels tend to stabilize, according to the Daily Mail.
The team reported that they did not observe this trend among women.
Is this trend unique to China?
Although the study was conducted in China, the scientists believe it reflects a problem of international proportions.
As lead author Shiven Chuan noted, “This phenomenon, often referred to as ‘happy fat,’ has been confirmed by numerous cohort studies conducted in developed Western countries.” After tying the knot, men tend to visit the gym less frequently and start eating more, leading to an increase in BMI.
“As men age, they face a significant risk of obesity, so it’s important for them not to ‘let themselves go’ after marriage by maintaining healthy eating habits and regular exercise,” Shiven Chuan said.
The researchers suggested that health authorities provide newlyweds with recommendations for healthy eating. Previous studies have shown that the more satisfied a person is with their intimate relationships, the greater the likelihood they will struggle with obesity. A bit paradoxical, isn’t it?
