Ohio State University recently released findings from a study that suggested women have a tendency to gain a significant amount of weight after marriage, and men gain a significant amount of weight after divorce. The study followed over 10,000 people from 1986 to 2008 to determine the amount of weight gained within two years of a marriage or divorce.
Yes, weight gain after divorce for men is an interesting discovery. This study separated men and women in different groups, unlike other studies that simply looked at weight loss among people in general.
The sociology team who investigated these people categorized a "large" weight gain as 21 or more pounds through these marital transitions. This study also suggested that weight gain is most likely to affect "older" people, or those over 30 years of age. The data in this study simply revealed who gained weight. The data, however, didn't reveal why. In the world of studies, this is totally understandable. After all, a lot of variables were measured to get this valuable info. Nonetheless, it leaves room for a lot of conjecture.
So, here goes...conjecture as to why women over 30 gain weight after marriage, and why men over 30 gain weight after divorce.
Women and Weight Gain Post Marriage
- Possibility 1: It's not uncommon for women to become pregnant shortly after marriage. All women gain some amount of weight while pregnant, and it can take some time to lose it.
- Possibility 2: Women re-prioritize after marriage. A new spouse, kids, house, groceries, and the list goes on...take priority over their workouts or careful nutrition habits.
- Possibility 3: I've written about this before, but I believe a lot of women gain weight after marriage because they start eating man-size portions with their spouse. What once was a grilled chicken salad has turned into a much heavier or bigger meal in general. All it takes is a couple hundred extra calories here and there and you've suddenly whacked on the weight.
- Possibility 4: I'm going to go out on a ledge here, but possibility #4 could be that women care less about their bodies (and consequently their health) after marriage. They've cast their line, caught their catch and now they're done. Hmmmmmm? All possibilities.
- Possibility 1: The domestic care department has most likely taken a significant hit. Even if chores like shopping and cooking were divided, with a divorce in the shadows, small things can seem overwhelming. Ordering pizza is a lot easier than making a healthy meal.
- Possibility 2: Depression. Going through a divorce isn't easy for anyone, and some people have a tendency to eat (or drink) more when going through a tough time.
- Possibility 3: Making up for lost time, and/or Loneliness: The frequency of getting together with the guys for beer, burgers and football just increased. Weight gain is inevitable.
- Possibility 4: I'm going to go out on a ledge here, but possibility #4 could be that divorce ain't cheap, and the gym membership could have just been collateral damage. Suggestion: run outside.
