Nutrition: the life of a couple would promote overweight
According to a recent European study, marriage would cause an increase in corpulence of about 2kg. Although a previous study has shown that marriage has health benefits, especially in terms of cardiovascular, it also has its share of disadvantages.
A study published in Social Science & Medicine(1) reveals the impact of married life on body size: people in couples have a higher BMI (Body Mass Index) than single individuals. Scientists also show that in couples, the practice of sport is less intense.
Marriage: an important social factor on health
The researchers conducted their study with 10,226 people living in 9 countries: France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, Spain, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
In single individuals, BMI (Body Mass Index, do this test on our site) appears slightly overweight, 25.7 on average, respectively in men and women. On the other hand, among married people, the BMI is between 26.3 in men and 25.6 in women. These results representon average a difference of 2kg.
With this study, scientists have put their finger on theimpact of social factors, in this case the life of a couple, on the state of health of individuals. The institution of marriage involves the change of certain habits that directly influence weight and nutrition.
The researchers also explain in this study that marriage implies, in addition to changes in eating habits, a change in sports practice. Couples prefer the consumption of regional products, organic, or favor fair trade products, abandoning ready meals.
The study’s lead author, Jutta Mata, explains that people in couples adopt a balanced and healthier diet more easily. However, the quantities consumed remain generally quite large. This parameter associated with a decrease in sports practice in individuals in couples justifies an increase in BMI.
Stephen Paul is the lead author and founder of My Health Sponsor. Holder of a diploma in health and well-being coaching with more than 200 articles in the field of health, he makes it a point of honor to offer advice based on reliable information, based on scientific research, and verified by health professionals.