Weight gain after marriage is not just a normal change; but there are many reasons behind it. Recently, a study by ICMR has reported on this increasing problem. In such a situation, it is important to understand why obesity increases in couples after marriage and how it can be avoided.
Obesity in Indian couples: Obesity is a condition in which excessive fat accumulated in the body, and the body mass index (BMI) becomes higher than the normal level. Generally, a BMI above 23 falls under the category of obesity for Indians. There are many reasons behind this, such as poor lifestyle, excessive consumption of fast food, lack of physical activity, sleep disturbances and increasing stress. According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), one in every four married couples in the country is struggling with obesity. Its percentage is increasing rapidly, especially in urban areas and among people with wealth, which has also increased the risk of lifestyle diseases.
Obesity is not just limited to increased weight, but has a serious impact on the body. It increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, fatty liver and many types of cancer. Weight gain puts pressure on the joints, due to which knee and back pain becomes common. Obesity can also lead to sleep apnea and mental health problems like depression and lack of confidence. Apart from this, obesity reduces the energy of a person, due to which one feels lethargic and tired in daily tasks. This is the reason why doctors consider it a “slowly increasing danger”, which can take a serious form if not controlled in time.
What causes couples to gain weight?
ICMR's study shows that the problem of weight gain is becoming common among couples after marriage. The biggest reason behind this is shared lifestyle, i.e. often husband and wife adopt each other's eating habits. Eating outside, late night dinner, calorie-rich snacks and consumption of sweet drinks increases. In the initial years of marriage, the social life of couples is also more active, which includes unhealthy eating habits during parties and get-togethers.
Apart from this, responsibilities lead to a lack of physical activity, making it difficult to find time for workouts and exercise. Lack of sleep and stress also play an important role in weight gain. The study also found that this problem is more visible in urban and financially well-off couples, because their lifestyle pattern is often associated with less physical exertion and more calorie intake.
How to protect yourself from this?
Follow a balanced diet:
Eat homemade healthy food and stay away from junk food.
Make time for exercise:
Workout or walk for at least 30 minutes daily.
Keep a fixed meal time:
Avoid eating late at night and eat meals at regular times.
Adopt healthy habits along with it:
Couples should set fitness goals together to maintain motivation.
Pay attention to stress and sleep:
Get enough sleep and do meditation or yoga to reduce stress.
Keep getting health checkups:
