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Researchers who tracked the lives and figures of more than 10,000 people found that women tended to put on weight after tying the knot.
London - As a single woman, she watches what she eats and makes a point of going to the gym.
When she gets engaged, she diets to ensure she fits into her wedding dress.
So it’s a pity all that hard work will do her a fat lot of good.
Women pile on the pounds after they get married, research shows.
Researchers who tracked the lives and figures of more than 10,000 people found that women tended to put on weight after tying the knot.
The US researchers believe women stop taking care of themselves to look after their husbands when they get married. Those who are less kind would say that some simply stop caring about their appearance after they have achieved their objective of snagging a husband.
Married men, however, stay relatively trim. That is, until they divorce - then their weight balloons as they struggle to fend for themselves.
The US researchers scrutinised the answers that 10,071 men and women gave when surveyed about their health from their teens and 20s until they were in their 40s and 50s.
They particularly focused on whether weight changed in the year or two after getting married or divorced.
Ohio State University researcher Dmitry Tumin said: “Clearly, the effect of marital transitions on weight changes differs by gender.
“Divorces for men, and to some extent, marriages for women, promote weight gains that may be large enough to pose a health risk.”
They aren’t sure why the sexes differ but think it could be down to their differing roles in marriage.
Professor Zhenchao Qian said: “Married women often have a larger role around the house than men, and they may have less time to exercise and stay fit than unmarried women.”
The research, presented at the American Sociological Society’s annual conference, also showed that age matters.
Mr Tumin said: “As you get older, having a sudden change in your life like a marriage or a divorce is a bigger shock than it would have been when you were younger and that can really impact on your weight.” - Daily Mail
Anonymous, wrote
spouses cheat because they're unhappy for reasons other than weight gain, i'm sure! not with standing that, if we gain weight, its not because we want to or because we no longer care, its because some times our spouses are so insecure that when we look good, they become suspicious and distrusting because "you're married, why do you have to wear make-up or dress nice or..." i'm sure you know where i'm going with this. so yes, PEOPLE gain weight but anyone worth their salt knows, you can't blame anyone or any circumstance for who or what you are!
Colin, wrote
To true. My buddies wife DOUBLED her body weight in 2 years after getting married.
Anonymous, wrote
How about women dont have any TIME because we are too busy having careers, managing families, a husband, children, bills, shopping. Its not that we dont want to, it because all our time is dedicated to taking care of other things. I make it a priority to look after my health and figure, because it is important to ME. If you care enough about yourself and your health, any body can make time to go gym atleast 3 times a week.
Karen, wrote
@Mzansi, I should slap you for your comment about your wife, but I am just about rolling around on the floor in fits of laughter, very deive. Thank you for making my Monday!
Juan, wrote
There's a lot of truth to it. Women tend to let go and not take care of themselves after getting married, especially after the first child arrives. That is why men cheat. Cruel but true!
Mzansi 4 Sure, wrote
The author did not say all married women. But when they did the survey they discovered that most women get fat. My wife ballooned immediately after marriage. I attend gym and run marathons to stay fit and trimmed, she does not bother. She looks like they have tied an anaconda around her waist. Now I understand why men sometimes rush for divorce.
Anonymous, wrote
Was this study performed by a dush!? Must be because WOMAN HAVE ALL THE BABIES. Can also be because MEN DONT HELP WITH THE HOUSE OR THE KIDS AND WOMAN STILL WORK FULL TIME CAUSE HUBBY CAN'T SUPPORT ON HIS OWN, which could lead to less time for the woman to prune herself or spend time in the gym. Let's be real!!! Very few men look like much themselves after marraige - bald, walking around in flip-flops wearing ugly tracksuit pants and faded golf shirts and smelling... well not so sexy.
Bradley, wrote
My wife is 46 with a 32 inch waist we have 2 kids and been together for over 18 years and she is SEXY. so this article does nto hold water
Karen, wrote
This is generalizing and not a fact. I for one, and many of my friends that are married have not stopped taking care of ourselves nor have our fashion sense gone out the window!!! Why should it, I do not take care of myself for my husband or anyone else, I do it for me!!!
eish, wrote
Very true. Married women not only get fatter, and uglier, but they also start complaining and lose interest in sex. A prison sentence.
Andrew, wrote
I have noticed that men really let themselves go once they are getting a regular lay. I have seen it again and again: once toned men getting paunches and losing their drive for physical activity once they have a girlfriend.
Nana, wrote
Not sure about this article,my friends and my family are telling me I look more healthy and sexy than before.
anonymous, wrote
i dont believe in this article because we womwn are not the same so the article is not true to me
Pangea, wrote
Ok, now tell us something we do not know. Most women I know really let themselves go when the get married. Not only do they get fat but they through style out the window as well.
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