MEN put on more weight than women after marriage, a study shows.
Blokes’ obesity rates were found to triple after tying the knot, while there was no increase for married females.
Husbands were 62 per cent more likely to be overweight than single fellas, and 3.2 times likelier to be obese.
Meanwhile, wives were 39 per cent more likely to be overweight than unattached ladies but obesity was no likelier.
Study author Dr Alicja Cicha- Mikolajczyk, from Poland’s National Institute of Cardiology, said: “Marital status has an undeniable impact on overweight or obesity in adulthood.”
Being married was a stronger weight trigger for men while age was bigger for women, according to analysis of 2,405 people aged 36 to 61.
She said married females may let things slide a little but get back in shape before becoming too fat.
Obese women are often stigmatised more than blokes, she added.
Dr Joanna Syrda, of the University of Bath, conducted previous research showing men’s body mass index rises post-marriage and falls around divorce.
She said: “Individuals who are ‘on the market’ have more incentive and exert more effort to stay fit than those already or still married.”
Most people in the UK are fat – about 35 per cent are overweight and 30 per cent are obese.
The flab problem has driven up rates of serious health issues including cancer, dementia and heart diseases.
The NHS 12-step plan to help you lose weight
FROM faddy diets to dodgy detoxes - most of us have heard it all before when it comes to weight loss.
But burning fat can be easy and mostly free.
In fact, the NHS has a whole load of medically-approved tips for weight loss and shedding body fat once and for all…
- Don’t skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry. - Eat regular meals
Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar. - Eat plenty of fruit and veg
Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals. - Get more active
Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of health benefits, exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. - Drink lots of water
People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need. - Eat high fibre foods
Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils. - Read food labels
Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan. - Use a smaller plate
Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it’s full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full. - Don’t ban foods
Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There’s no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance. - Don’t stock junk food
To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice. - Cut down on alcohol
A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain. - Plan your meals
Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.
