Marriage + Baby = Weight Gain
A 10 year longitudinal study of women has shown that "weight gain appeared to start when they married, then worsened when they had their first child," [...] "There was no effect on the rate of weight gain of having a second baby."
What's interesting about the research is that everyone is gaining weight - whether single or not.
- Women with no partner and no baby averaged 11 pounds over 10 years.
- Partner and no baby gained about 15 pounds.
- Partner and a baby gained 20 pounds.
The reason for this is unclear, but one doctor proposed that:
Single women "may gain less because they are still dating, want to attract a mate, don't necessarily eat three large meals daily, and they have more time for exercise,"
I think time plays a major factor here as anyone with children would understand. Priorities can change.
Written By J. Foster on Jan 10, 2010
Priorities change, life changes too & people become busier with jobs/kids/activities for kids & more AND there is age. Our bodies change, our hormones change & we have to change with them & maybe have to work harder/eat better. I know all about that being 52 & going thru multiple body/hormone changes already & still going thru them! Saying that, even at younger ages, we have to be diligent at trying our best to keep eating healthy & moving more. We can't become complacent.
ReplyBeing married and a mother, all I have to say is it's all priorities. It may be easier to give more excuses that people accept, but that's all they are and that's what it comes down to.
ReplyI think it's not about the baby or being a wife, it's all about taking care of yourself. I am married for six years and have a 4 year old son. And I am proud to say that my physique and weight haven't change that much..As wives we should make ourselves more presentable (I'm not saying that being fat is not beautiful..) for our husbands,more than before..
ReplyI think it's easy to give excuses when you're busy with family commitments as to why you don't exercise or eat well. Yes, your priorities do change, but you also need to MAKE TIME to exercise and eat well--in fact, your efforts should intensify, children follow by your example.
I think the results of this study are interesting, but I don't think it has to be that way if you make the choice to live healthy.
ReplyWhen I've married I was 155 pounds, a few years later I found myself carrying 198 pounds, that's 43 pounds extra. I would agree it is quite common for many families to priorities other things a part from on' self and subsequently to amass a pile of excuses for not taking care of your self. What reflection do you want to see in the mirror? We need to ask ourselves. I wasn't happy with what I saw which is why I decided to bring about a change in myself and my family.
This study research is interesting, but bottom line is that we're responsible for what we want to see in ourselves.
Alexandra
ReplyI am getting married in 33 days (Valentine's Day) and have been working hard to get in great shape for my wedding day. My husband-to-be has already cautioned me that I'll have to keep up my healthy behaviors after our wedding if I want to keep my new physique. I really admire women who can balance it all - relationship, children, job, AND fitness!
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