Latest news with #AlicjaCicha-Mikolajczyk
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Married men 3 times more likely to be obese: Study
Hoping to stay thin forever? Fat chance of that if you're married. So says new research that suggests being married triples the risk of men becoming obese. Men's risk of being overweight was 62% compared with unmarried couples, the research said. Men were 3.2 times more likely to be classified as technically obese, per the study, Sky News reported. Married women aren't out of the woods, however. Their risk of being overweight was 39% higher compared with their unmarried counterparts. The Polish researchers said that women are 'more often stigmatized' by society and, according to Dr. Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk, 'cannot accept living with obesity' and are more likely to take action to lose weight. In the U.K., the National Health Service generally classifies obese folks as having a body mass index (BMI) of above 30, and being overweight is associated with a BMI of 25-30. The measure, which looks only at height and weight, has been criticized by some as being overly simplistic, however. The study examined 2,405 Polish people, typically aged 50. Researchers also found that getting older increased the risk of becoming heavier in both sexes. Each additional year increased the risk of being overweight by 3% in men and 4% in women. Additionally, the added year increased the risk of obesity by 4% in men and 6% in women. Depression or lack of health knowledge also impacted the risk of women becoming obese, though it wasn't found in men. 'Age and marital status have undeniable impact on living with overweight or obesity in adulthood, regardless of sex,' the study concluded. 'In turn, inadequate health literacy and having at least borderline depression were associated with obesity in women. 'It appears from our results that the dissemination of health knowledge and health promotion across the lifespan could reduce the worrying phenomenon of increasing levels of obesity.' The findings are to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain in May. Majority of adults worldwide expected to be overweight, obese by 2050: Study Study suggests fat cell 'memories' leads to yo-yo dieting
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
How to talk to a loved one about unhealthy weight gain as marriage increases obesity risk
We know the theory that when you're happily loved-up in a relationship you may see the odd bit of weight gain after swapping workouts for cuddles on the couch. But science has backed this assumption with new research finding the risks of being overweight increase for both sexes when married, with men particularly impacted. The research, due to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain in May, was carried out on couples in Poland and found both men and women tend to be heavier when married, with marriage increasing the risk of being overweight by 62% in men and 39% in women, compared to those who are unmarried. However, married men were also 3.2 times more likely to be obese than unmarried men, while no such link was found for married women when compared to unmarried women. Researchers suggested the lack of such a finding in women could be due to potential cultural differences in attitudes towards obesity in men and women. "The attitude of society towards women living with obesity is different compared to men – they are more often stigmatised," explains Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk, from the National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland, who led the study. "We assume that women accept life with overweight, but they cannot accept living with obesity and they are more likely than men to take various actions to lose weight eg increased physical activity." The study also found that getting older increases the risk of being overweight or obese for both sexes. While putting on a few extra pounds while you're happily coupled-up is, of course, perfectly acceptable, in some cases weight gain can become somewhat unhealthy and that comes with health risks. "Carrying extra weight, particularly as we age, increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, metabolic dysfunction, and joint problems," explains Edwina Jenner, personal trainer and health coach. "Research shows that even moderate weight gain in midlife significantly strains the heart, raises blood pressure, and contributes to insulin resistance, all factors that can reduce both lifespan and quality of life." Wondering how to tell if weight gain is unhealthy? Health coach, Steve Bennett suggests looking for warning signs, such as: increased fatigue disturbed sleep patterns mood changes or the development of conditions like high blood pressure and elevated blood sugar. If a partner, family member or friend is becoming unhealthily overweight, you may be concerned and want to intervene, however, weight gain is a sensitive topic especially concerning a loved one. "It's important to approach the conversation with care, ensuring your loved-one understands that your concern comes from a place of love and shared wellbeing, not criticism or judgment," explains Jenner. "When it comes to a partner it's important they know this isn't about attraction or loving them any less; it's about the impact excess weight can have on long-term health." While these realities are medical, not personal, how you communicate them matters. "The goal is to create an open, supportive dialogue where your partner or loved one feels encouraged rather than shamed," Jenner continues. Find a private, relaxed time when you're both feeling good. "Never bring it up during arguments or stressful situations," Bennett adds. Express your concerns using 'I' statements. "For example 'I've noticed you seem to have less energy lately' or 'I'm worried about your health because I care about you'—rather than accusatory 'you' statements that can trigger defensiveness," Bennett explains. Rather than focussing on numbers on the scale, frame the discussion around overall health, energy levels, and longevity. "You might say something like, 'I want us both to feel strong, active, and healthy for as long as possible. I've been reading about how midlife weight changes can impact things like heart health, and I'd love for us to support each other in making sure we stay as healthy as possible'," Jenner suggests. Rather than singling your loved one out, making it a shared effort can make the conversation feel less like a confrontation and more like a commitment to a healthier future together. "Suggest small, sustainable changes you can make as a team, such as going for a walk or doing home workouts together, increasing protein intake, or reducing buying ultra-processed foods," Jenner suggests. "Achieving and maintaining good health is a journey, and approaching it together can make all the difference." The most important thing is to position yourself as an ally, not a critic. "Ask how you can support them, whether that means cooking healthier meals together, becoming exercise partners, or simply being an emotional support," Bennett suggests. Rather than suggesting restrictive diets, focus on positive additions to your lifestyle together. "Start meals with fibre-rich foods that help regulate blood sugar and incorporate more real, whole foods instead of processed options," Bennett adds. Read more about health and weight: 12 weight loss tips for physical and mental health (Yahoo Life UK, 7-min read) What we know about Vitality's weight-loss jab scheme for workers (Yahoo Life UK, 6-min read) What to know about the risks of using weight-loss drugs unsupervised (Yahoo Life UK, 5-min read)
Sky News
13-03-2025
- Health
- Sky News
Married men three times more likely to be obese than unmarried men, says study
Being married triples the risk of men becoming obese, research suggests. The chance of piling on the pounds increased for both sexes after marriage, however. Women's risk of being overweight was 39% higher - and men's 62% - compared with unmarried couples. But married men were 3.2 times more likely to be classed as technically obese than their unmarried counterparts, according to the study. This finding wasn't mirrored in females, which the Polish researchers said could be because women who are obese "are more often stigmatised" by society. Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk, from Warsaw's National Institute of Cardiology, suggested women "cannot accept living with obesity" and are more likely to take action to lose weight. In the UK, the NHS generally classes obese people as having a body mass index (BMI) of above 30, and being overweight is associated with a BMI of 25-30. However, the measure (which looks only at height and weight) has been criticised by some as over simplistic. The study - which looked at 2,405 Polish people, typically aged 50 - also found getting older increased the risk of becoming heavier in both sexes. Each extra year increased the risk of being overweight by 3% in men and 4% in women; and the risk of obesity by 4% in men and 6% in women. Depression or poor health knowledge also had a significant impact on the risk of women becoming obese - but this wasn't found in men. The team concluded: "Age and marital status have undeniable impact on living with overweight or obesity in adulthood regardless of sex. "In turn, inadequate health literacy and having at least borderline depression were associated with obesity in women. "It appears from our results that the dissemination of health knowledge and health promotion across the lifespan could reduce the worrying phenomenon of increasing levels of obesity." The findings will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain in May.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Married men three times more likely to be obese than unmarried men, says study
Being married triples the risk of men becoming obese, research suggests. The chance of piling on the pounds increased for both sexes after marriage, however. Women's risk of being overweight was 39% higher - and men's 62% - compared with unmarried couples. But married men were 3.2 times more likely to be classed as technically obese than their unmarried counterparts, according to the study. This finding wasn't mirrored in females, which the Polish researchers said could be because women who are obese "are more often stigmatised" by society. Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk, from Warsaw's National Institute of Cardiology, suggested women "cannot accept living with obesity" and are more likely to take action to lose weight. In the UK, the NHS generally classes obese people as having a body mass index (BMI) of above 30, and being overweight is associated with a BMI of 25-30. However, the measure (which looks only at height and weight) has been criticised by some as over simplistic. The study - which looked at 2,405 Polish people, typically aged 50 - also found getting older increased the risk of becoming heavier in both sexes. Each extra year increased the risk of being overweight by 3% in men and 4% in women; and the risk of by 4% in men and 6% in women. Depression or poor health knowledge also had a significant impact on the risk of women becoming obese - but this wasn't found in men. Read more from Sky News: The team concluded: "Age and marital status have undeniable impact on living with overweight or obesity in adulthood regardless of sex. "In turn, inadequate health literacy and having at least borderline depression were associated with obesity in women. "It appears from our results that the dissemination of health knowledge and health promotion across the lifespan could reduce the worrying phenomenon of increasing levels of obesity." The findings will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain in May.
The Independent
12-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Being married triples the risk of obesity in men, study suggests
Being married triples the risk of obesity in men, research suggests. Experts found the risks of being overweight increase for both sexes when married, but appear to be particularly acute for men. The research will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Spain in May and was carried out on couples in Poland. Researchers found both men and women tend to be heavier when married, with marriage increasing the risk of being overweight by 62% in men and 39% in women, compared to those who are unmarried. However, married men were also 3.2 times more likely to be obese than unmarried men, while no such link was found for married women when compared to unmarried women. The lack of such a finding in women may be due to cultural differences in attitudes towards obesity in men and women, the researchers suggested. The study also found that getting older increases the risk of being overweight or obese for both sexes. Dr Alicja Cicha-Mikolajczyk, from the National Institute of Cardiology, Warsaw, Poland, led the study and suggested reasons for why no link with obesity was found for women. She said: 'At an early stage of analysis, we consider different hypothesis that married women are less likely to be obese than married man. 'One of them is a cultural difference in attitude towards obesity. The attitude of society towards women living with obesity is different compared to men – they are more often stigmatised. 'We assume that women accept life with overweight, but they cannot accept living with obesity and they are more likely than men to take various actions to lose weight (eg: increased physical activity, and even returning to smoking tobacco).' For the study, data was taken for 2,405 people from the Multi-centre National Population Health Examination Survey. These people were typically aged 50 and 35.3% had normal weight, 38.3% were overweight and 26.4% were obese. People were asked questions regarding their knowledge about health, any depression and social support (such as frequency of contact with family, friends and relatives). Some 55% of the group had adequate health literacy and at least moderate social support (50%), while 15% reported depression. Each year of increased age increased the risk of being overweight by 3% in men and 4% in women, and the risk of obesity by 4% in men and 6% in women. In women, having inadequate health literacy increased the risk of obesity by 43%, while reporting at least borderline depression doubled the risk of obesity. This was not found in men. The team concluded: 'Age and marital status have undeniable impact on living with overweight or obesity in adulthood regardless of sex. 'In turn, inadequate health literacy and having at least borderline depression were associated with obesity in women. 'It appears from our results that the dissemination of health knowledge and health promotion across the lifespan could reduce the worrying phenomenon of increasing levels of obesity.'
