Yes, studies suggest men often gain weight after marriage. While the amount varies, a common finding is a slight weight increase in the initial years following marriage.
Average Weight Gain After Marriage
Research indicates men tend to gain an average of 0.4kg in the first year of marriage. This is not a massive increase, but it's a statistically significant trend. [Source: Incidentally, men tend to gain an average of 0.4kg in the first year of marriage. “However, in the long run, those who are married are less likely to be at risk of major weight gain than those who remain single,” she said. 18-Feb-2024]
Factors Contributing to Weight Gain
Several factors contribute to this post-marital weight gain in men:
- Lifestyle Changes: Marriage often brings changes in lifestyle, including more relaxed routines, less emphasis on maintaining a specific physique for attracting a partner, and potentially increased consumption of comfort foods. [Source: Reddit - Getting fat and unhealthy after marriage is extremely disrespectful to...]
- Comfort and Security: The sense of security and comfort within a marriage can lead to less focus on physical appearance and fitness. This "comfort weight" can manifest as increased weight gain. [Source: Reddit - Why do men gain weight after getting engaged?]
- Changes in Diet: Shared meals and increased dining out can contribute to a higher calorie intake, leading to weight gain. [Source: Reddit - Getting fat and unhealthy after marriage is extremely disrespectful to...]
- Parenthood: Becoming a father, in the years after marriage and childbirth, is linked to weight gain in men. This is likely due to sleep deprivation, stress, and changes in dietary habits. [Source: Marriage, fatherhood may cause men to gain weight; The numbers show that marriage does make men fatter]
Long-Term Perspective
It's important to note that while there is evidence of initial weight gain, married men are often less likely to experience significant long-term weight problems compared to single men. [Source: Incidentally, men tend to gain an average of 0.4kg in the first year of marriage. “However, in the long run, those who are married are less likely to be at risk of major weight gain than those who remain single,” she said. 18-Feb-2024]
Further Research
More studies are needed to fully understand the intricacies of weight gain and marriage in men. The exact reasons and the degree of weight gain can vary significantly between individuals and couples.