This article is going to look at the different reasons why women gain weight after marriage. Marriage is a life-changing phenomenon and the effects show in uncountable ways. As we move from single life to marriage, the partners’ lives change dramatically.

Right from their daily routine, lifestyle, and habits change; all of which influence the general health of the new couple. One common change that is significant in women is the change in weight and general physical appearance.

According to a study published in a daily journal ‘The Obesity’, after 5 years of marriage, 82% of the couples gain an average weight of 5-10 kg, and the increase in weight is mostly observed among women.  

The study also observed that cohabiting couples did not experience any major weight gain issues; which raised hope for a possible correlation between weight gain and marriage. 

Another study in 2011 by researchers at Ohio State University found that; women gain more weight compared to men after marriage, whereas men’s weight increased more than women after a divorce. The study also clearly states that women are more liable to weight gain after marriage compared to men.

Why women gain weight after marriage is attributed to pregnancy, lack of enough sleep, eating leftovers, an increase in stress levels, change in daily routine, eating out, socialization and peer pressure, hormonal changes, and change in the metabolic rate.

So why do women gain weight after marriage?

Some of the likely reasons why women gain weight after marriage include;

1. Pregnancy

One of the reasons women gain weight and perhaps the sign of a happy marriage is pregnancy. Pregnant women pack pounds due to fluid retention, food cravings, and hormonal changes. Unfortunately, at this stage, you may not have the will to battle food desires that occur during pregnancy.

2. Lack of enough sleep

The time and pattern of sleeping change when women get married. First, they may have to sleep at the same time with their spouse, and secondly, they have a lot to put together for their spouses like cooking, cleaning, and more. This leads to sleep deprivation.

Several types of research have linked sleep deprivation to weight gain. For example, in a study of molecular ties between lack of sleep and weight gain by the national institute of health, it was established that sleep-deprived participants ate more junk food and their fore added more pounds.

3. Eating leftovers

Most married women do not want to waste food. They may either eat the leftovers for breakfast or dinner. Because they don’t want to throw any food to the bin, they end up overeating which leads to weight gain. 

4. Increase in stress levels

Getting married comes along with many tasks and stress. Also, you want to impress your husband and your in-laws if you happen to have an extended family. This adds to the stress levels.

With stress, you either end up eating too much or too little and then overeat later hence weight gain. 

5. Change in the daily routine

Before marriage, women have time in abundance. They schedule party time, exercise hours, work, and sleep hours. Once they get married, things change. They now have to look at work, home, and more responsibilities. All this reduces fitness and exercise time, leading to excess pounds.

6. Socialization and peer pressure

For newlyweds, celebrations and parties are inevitable. They either invite people to their new home or invited to welcome parties. All these involve lots of junk foods and drinks that are weight-gain friendly. 

7. Eating out

Newlyweds mostly go out for dinners and launch and while there, they consume high-calorie foods. This increases fat near the stomach area in women.

8. Change in tastes and preferences

After marriage, women tend to change their preferences basing on that of their husbands and other family members. This means that women fail to make their own healthy choices and this leads to weight gain. 

9. Change in the metabolic rate

This is another interesting yet scientific reason for weight gain in women. Most women get married at 30 yrs. of age. However, health experts say that the metabolic rate begins to decrease when someone clocks 30 years of age. The lower the metabolic rate, the more weight gained.

10. Hormonal changes

Lifestyle changes after marriage may lead to hormonal changes among women. This becomes the foremost reason of weight gain among women.

How can a woman maintain weight after marriage? 

1. Dine-in

Eating out is associated with many junk foods that are high in calories. When you resorting to cooking together at home, it puts you in a better position to control your portions since you know exactly what you are eating. This will assure you of healthy and nutrient-dense foods.

2. Workout together

Going to the gym together is one way of encouraging one another. Join village running clubs, check out a local gym, or lift the weights together. When you exercise together, you are more likely to reach your weight goals.

3. Be each other’s cheerleader

With support from your partner, it’s easier to achieve a goal. Always encourage your lady to adhere to healthy eating and exercise with kind and supportive words. Always remind each other how important your goals are and how you’re willing to do whatever it takes to achieve them.

4. Keep cheat meals on date nights

Follow the 80/20 rule: whereby you cook 80 percent of your meals at home, and the other 20 percent can be your date nights where you “cheat” a little. Date nights are full of high-fat, high-calorie meals with wine or beer.  These can easily pack on extra pounds and before you know it, you are growing fat.

5. Plan the meals together

For weight loss after marriage, make meal planning and preparations with your partner every week. With meal planning, you are guaranteed healthy weekly meals. This helps to fight the excess pounds after marriage. 

6. Communicate your goals

For married couples, weight loss should become a partner activity. Let your goals be known to your spouse, what you are hoping to do, and how you plan to achieve these goals. Often, disagreements in marriage come from poor communication, so being clear about your goals upfront can help the couples to select their food choices carefully. 

7. Get busy in the bedroom

This means to have more sex with your partner. Sex is a physical activity that can burn from 100 to 300 calories in a 30-minute sex session. It elevates your heart and enhances your overall health, happiness, and physical fitness.  

8. Stock healthy foods

If both of you happen to have a busy daily schedule, then make sure that your fridge is properly stocked with healthy foods, fruits, and vegetables. This keeps you from bumping into unhealthy foods like fried snacks whenever you think of eating.

How can I stop the hormonal weight gain?

Several hormones cause weight gain, inflammation, and chronic disease. These among others include; insulin, thyroid, cortisol, and sex hormones such as estrogen. These hormones affect both your weight and health.

However, maintaining a healthy weight, even if it is related to hormonal imbalances begins with healthy eating as well as staying active. 

Healthy eating to manage weight due to hormonal imbalances involves; 

• Reducing the intake of processed foods
• Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables each day
• Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated 
• Avoiding alcohol
• Avoiding soda and juice
• Eating whole grains, lean proteins, and healthful plant-based fats

Having an active lifestyle is important when it comes to managing hormone-related weight gain. Therefore, regular cardio exercises such as jogging, swimming, and strength training can help to build muscles and promote healthy bones.

Does every woman gain weight during her periods? 

While not every woman gains weight during menstrual cycles, it is normal to gain about three to five pounds during your period. This weight is temporary and will go away a few days after your period starts.

Weight gain during periods is caused by hormonal fluctuations. It may be attributed to water retention, overeating, sugar cravings, and cheating workouts due to cramps. Period bloating and gastrointestinal issues can as well create the sensation of weight gain.

To help water retention, consider taking diuretics, plenty of water to stay hydrated, and reduce salt intake. Also, walk around to maintain an active body. If you experience severe cramps, abdominal pain, and bloating during your period, talks to your doctor.

Does removing ovaries cause weight gain? 

Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. This is done to treat conditions such as cancer, endometriosis, and more. With this procedure, the woman can not get pregnant again.

According to a 2009 prospective study, it was established that premenopausal women who’ve had a hysterectomy with the removal of both ovaries have a higher risk for weight gain, compared with women who haven’t had the surgery

Hysterectomy is not directly linked to weight loss but according to Healthline, it may be related to weight gain in some people.

If the procedure is done and your ovaries removed, you’ll immediately enter menopause.  But women gain an average of 5 pounds after going through menopause. You may also gain some weight as you recover from the procedure.

To avoid weight gain after hysterectomy, talk to your doctor, and agree on a series of light activities or low-impact exercises to maintain a healthy weight. Some of the low impact exercises include; swimming, yoga, walking, and tai chi.

Healthy eating is also critical after surgery to avoid weight gain as well as supporting the healing process.  Eat more whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk foods during the recovery period.

How do I stop the middle-age weight gain? 

Most women don’t know of the real health changes that occur as they hit their middle age.  But as you grow older, several changes take place in your body. These include; hormonal changes, reduced metabolic rate, loss of lean muscle, changed sleep patterns, changes in the hunger cues, stress, and more. Unfortunately, all these lead to weight gain.

Here are some of the strategies that can help you improve your metabolism and prevent weight gain.

1. Always visit a doctor

2. Stick to your daily routine

Cheating your daily routine such as skipping breakfast, not having enough sleep, and more are linked to weight gain. For example, studies show that sleep deprivation leads to overeating and eventually weight gain. Therefore, follow your daily routine consistently to avoid middle-age weight gain.

3. Improve your workouts

As we hit our middle age, we realize that the metabolic rate decreases. This means that; you have to improve your workouts to burn more calories. Incorporating 15 minutes of high-intensity interval training in your daily routine can be more effective than an hour-long conventional training. 

4. Drink enough water

Research shows that water intake of about 0.5 liters can boost your metabolism for up to 25% in just one hour. Coldwater is better because the body will burn calories to first heat up the water to match the body temperature.  

We have an article about drinking water for weight loss, visit this wonderful article, and learn how water aids weight loss.

5. Cut down on alcohol

Alcohol is among the products you must reduce if you want to have a healthy middle-age weight. The body can’t store alcohol and metabolize it the right way. Also, fats and sugars cannot be metabolized if you take too much alcohol.

6. Avoid food that slows down metabolism

Several foods like white bread and white pasta are products of the processed white flour that are stripped of all fiber and antioxidants, which slows down digestion. Here, the body will use a few calories to digest these foods and in the end, the rest of the calories are stored as fats, which is weight gain.   

Bottom line

Marriage weight gain is a reality in most wedded couples and it is significant in women. Therefore, couples should decide or connect over a healthy regimen to maintain a healthy weight.

 

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