Marriage Making You Fat? The Unspoken Physical Costs of Commitment

Marriage is often seen as a partnership that brings emotional fulfillment, security, and companionship. But, lurking beneath the surface, it may also bring something less welcome—a few extra pounds.

While many are quick to point to shared meals or comfort eating as the culprits, the physical costs of commitment go beyond the obvious.

Photo byIsrael PiñaonUnsplash

The Influence of Emotional Synchrony

One subtle yet powerful factor is emotional synchrony. As partners spend years together, they often begin to mirror each other's emotions, habits, and even physical states.

If one partner tends to stress eat or has a slower metabolism, the other may subconsciously align with those behaviors. The emotional bond creates a feedback loop, where both partners support and reinforce each other’s unhealthy habits, leading to gradual weight gain.

The Comfort Zone Effect

Marriage often creates a "comfort zone," where couples feel secure and loved regardless of their appearance. While this emotional safety net is healthy, it can sometimes lead to physical complacency. The urgency to maintain a certain physique that might have existed while dating may fade, replaced by the comfort of unconditional love.

Over time, this shift in motivation can lead to weight gain, as there is less pressure to maintain the physical appearance that was perhaps more prioritized when courting.

The Social Shift: Prioritizing Couple Activities Over Physical Fitness

When couples get married, their social lives often revolve around joint activities. The regular gym sessions, dance classes, or long runs that one might have enjoyed solo can be replaced by movie nights, dinners out, or weekend brunches.

These shared experiences, while strengthening the emotional bond, can inadvertently deprioritize physical activity. As a result, couples might find themselves less active than when they were single.

The Psychological Impact of "Shared Identity"

Marriage often leads to the development of a shared identity, where partners see themselves as a unit rather than as individuals. This shift can impact personal health choices.

For example, if one partner decides to indulge in unhealthy foods, the other might feel compelled to join in, not wanting to disrupt the sense of unity. The shared identity can blur the lines of individual accountability, making it easier to slip into unhealthy habits together.

Hormonal Changes and Relationship Dynamics

Marriage can also influence hormone levels, especially through intimacy and stress levels. Studies suggest that higher levels of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” can reduce stress but also increase the craving for high-calorie foods.

Additionally, the stress associated with marital challenges can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which are linked to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.

Financial Priorities: Less Spending on Fitness

Financial priorities often shift once couples get married. Budgets that might have been allocated to fitness or wellness in the past may now be redirected toward mortgages, family expenses, or saving for the future.

The result? Gym memberships, yoga classes, or organic food may take a backseat, leading to less physical activity and poorer dietary choices, contributing to gradual weight gain.

The Role of Reproductive Health

Marriage and the decision to start a family can also bring about changes in body weight, particularly for women. The focus on reproductive health and the potential for pregnancy can lead to weight gain, both during and after pregnancy.

Also, the physical toll of childbearing, combined with the demands of parenthood, can make it difficult to return to pre-marriage fitness routines, causing weight to linger long after the baby arrives.

Subtle Peer Pressure and Social Comparisons

Finally, the social circles married couples often find themselves in can subtly influence their weight. Couples might unconsciously compare themselves to other married pairs, aligning their habits with those they see around them.

If friends and family prioritize comfort and indulgence over physical fitness, it can create a silent peer pressure to do the same, leading to gradual weight gain.

Conclusion: Awareness as the First Step

While marriage can bring joy and stability, it’s important to recognize the less obvious physical costs that may come with it. Being aware of these subtle influences—emotional synchrony, comfort zones, shared identities, and shifting priorities—can help couples make conscious decisions to prioritize their health.

After all, the goal of marriage isn’t just to grow old together, but to do so in good health. By addressing these unspoken factors, couples can ensure that their commitment to each other includes a commitment to physical well-being as well.

https://athlete.io/91/marriage-makes-you-fat/

https://www.nicswell.co.uk/health-news/marriage-can-make-you-fat

https://www.thegeorgetowndish.com/articles/women-does-marriage-make-you-fat