Research reveals men gain more weight than women after marriage

A recent research conducted by the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) revealed that the body mass index (BMI) of men increases more than women after marriage.

However, the study termed it a "significant positive effect" on BMI among males.

The researchers from a Chinese firm analysed the data from CNHS for over 26 years (1986 to 2015) and conducted 10 surveys, with intervals of 2-4 years in each survey. The observers visited 12 provinces of the world’s largest economy.

The analysis specifically focused on individuals aged between 18 to 45, with data from the 10 years before and after marriage.

The finding revealed that marriage is associated with a 5.2% increase in the prevalence of overweight and a 2.5% rise in the incidence of obesity among males. 

“The energy intake level of Chinese women did not undergo significant changes after marriage nor did their energy expenditure levels," stated research.

The research aimed to highlight the importance of promoting physical fitness and health management among families and disclosed that men are more prone to obesity as they get older. 

After marriage, they need to eat healthy foods and exercise regularly, it added.

The 2020 Report on Nutrition and Chronic Diseases of Chinese Residents stated that the overweight and obesity rates for Chinese adults aged 18 and over are 34.3% and 16.4%, respectively.