A new study has revealed that delaying marriage significantly reduces the risk of obesity among Pakistani women, particularly those living in urban areas.

Previous studies have shown that men and women often gain weight after marriage, with some couples even experiencing obesity directly linked to their marital lifestyle.

The latest research, published in a medical journal, used data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2012–13 and 2017–18). It found that more than half of adult women in Pakistan are overweight or obese, but delaying marriage plays a key role in reducing this risk for women in cities.

Experts say that getting married young increases the likelihood of obesity. Many women face pressure to have children at an early age due to fertility expectations. At the same time, they often have less access to education, limited health knowledge, and reduced decision-making power at home—all of which contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Findings of study

The study, led by the University of York, found that social gender norms combined with urban lifestyles have accelerated obesity rates in Pakistan.

It showed that delaying marriage provides women with greater opportunities for education, literacy, and access to health information. These factors help them develop healthier lifestyle habits and pay more attention to nutrition.

Link between age gap and decision-making

Another key finding was that postponing marriage often reduces the age difference between spouses. This balance gives women more influence in household decisions, including control over food choices. Researchers noted that such empowerment not only benefits women’s own health but also improves the well-being of their children.

Despite these benefits, nearly 40 percent of Pakistani women still marry before the age of 18, according to the study’s data.

For urban women, each additional year of delaying marriage was found to reduce the risk of obesity by around 0.7 percent. Women who married at 23 or later experienced the strongest protective effect.