As a married couple lives together, it’s quite natural that they begin to adopt each other’s habits and lifestyle. With changing times, both partners now often have full-time jobs and share equal responsibilities, leading to a hectic lifestyle for both. Amidst all this, they tend to forget to take care of their health. From ordering fast food for a quick meal to mindlessly scrolling through negative news, lounging on the couch during weekends, and following irregular sleep schedules to meet deadlines, health often takes a backseat. According to research by ICMR, it was found that 1 in 4 Indian married couples tend to be overweight or obese. This has raised concerns about the rise of poor lifestyle habits among married couples in urban cities. Read on to know more about it.
Why 1 In 4 Indian Married Couples Tend To Be Obese?
According to a research study by ICMR, married couples unknowingly trigger each other’s weight gain. Married couples under the age of 30 are unknowingly becoming the victims of obesity, which they don’t realise while building their lives together. With the concerning rise in obesity among married couples, ICMR researchers felt a strong need to create health programs specifically targeting this group. According to reports by Times Now, the researchers believe such interventions are especially necessary for married couples who are exposed to media and modern lifestyles, particularly in states like Delhi, Goa, Kerala, Manipur, and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
This study by ICMR is one of the largest in the country, with sample data collected from 52,737 married couples. With the help of the National Family Health Survey, collecting such a large sample was made possible. According to reports by Times Now, the research found that 27.4% of married couples share a similar obesity status, meaning both partners are either overweight or obese. This concordance is more commonly seen in urban households that are frequently exposed to media. This study is considered the first-ever nationwide examination of spousal weight concordance, and it was published in ‘Current Developments in Nutrition.’
Also Read: Scottish Man Tries Mishti Doi At Kolkata’s Putiram Sweets For ₹30; Netizens: Guy Did His Research
Key Findings By The ICMR
In the study, couples with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 23 or more were considered overweight or obese. About 47.6% of couples in the richest income group (top wealth quintile) shared a similar obesity status, meaning both partners were overweight or obese. Due to sedentary jobs and less physical activity, they tend to fall into the category of obesity. In contrast, only 10.2% of couples in the poorest group (bottom wealth quintile) were classified as overweight or obese.
According to reports by Times Now, Dr Shalini Singh, a senior author from the ICMR–National Institute of Cancer Prevention, believes that the study is significant as it highlights the rising prevalence of obesity among married couples in India. It also shows how the percentage differs according to geographic and demographic patterns, revealing exactly where it’s happening and which groups of couples are most severely affected.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/winnond and DAPA Images
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.