Married, Menopausal, and Gaining Weight? You're Not Alone—But Here's Why That Matters

Let’s talk about something that’s not often discussed but is backed by growing research: married women in menopause tend to have a higher BMI than their single counterparts. It’s not about finger-pointing—it's about understanding the patterns so we can make more empowered decisions around our health.

In fact, a systematic review from MDPI shows that being married is actually associated with a higher BMI and an increased risk of obesity—even though marriage tends to improve a lot of other health outcomes (MDPI). A separate economics-based analysis found the same trend—unmarried women tend to be leaner than those living in household partnerships like marriage (ifo.de).

Now, this doesn’t mean marriage is “bad” for you—it means that married life might come with a bit more comfort eating, more shared meals, more sitting on the couch binge-watching Netflix, and maybe a little less accountability around fitness. One study even found that women who got married during midlife gained around two more pounds over a three-year period than women who stayed single (Science Daily).

What’s wild is that married folks often think they’re eating healthier. According to research in Social Science & Medicine, married people reported healthier eating behaviors but still had slightly higher BMIs than singles, even when adjusted for age and income (ScienceDirect).

So why does this matter in menopause?

Because carrying extra weight as we age, especially during and after menopause, isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about health span. Higher BMI in midlife increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and even joint deterioration and mobility issues. And let’s not forget, fat tissue in postmenopausal women produces estrogen, which can increase the risk for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast cancer (Allure).

Now, let’s stir the pot a little more. Do married women drink more?

You’d think the answer would be no, right? And it mostly is—kind of. A large twin study showed that married and cohabitating individuals drink less frequently and in smaller amounts compared to singles (NIH PMC). Another study out of Sweden found that being married significantly reduces the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorders—married women had a 71% lower risk compared to never-married women (BBR Foundation).

But—and here’s the twist—some studies show that married women actually consume more alcohol than single or divorced women, likely influenced by social drinking habits shared with a spouse or regular “wine down” rituals together (CBS News).

One big U.S. study showed that overall, married folks are less likely to binge drink or exceed daily limits, especially in their 30s and 40s. But daily “just one glass” habits can add up, particularly in the menopause phase when liver detox slows and hormonal balance is more sensitive (NIH PMC).

So what about being “compliant”? Are married women more likely to follow through on health changes?

Turns out, there’s something to that. Spousal support can boost follow-through. One study found that when couples signed up for fitness programs together, only 6% dropped out—compared to a whopping 43% dropout rate when people joined solo (Wikipedia Marriage and Health).

But let’s be honest—compliance depends on relationship dynamics. If you’re in a supportive partnership, great. But if the relationship is full of tension or criticism, that stress can actually hurt your health, increase cortisol, and throw your motivation out the window (Wikipedia).

Here’s what it all boils down to: marriage can be a double-edged sword in menopause. It can offer structure, social connection, and shared health goals—or it can mean emotional eating, wine with every dinner, and routines that lead to slow weight gain and higher health risks.

This isn’t about blame—it’s about awareness. If you're in a partnership, check in. Are you both supporting each other’s health goals? Are you moving your bodies together? Are your shared routines lifting you up or weighing you down?

And if you’re single in menopause? Celebrate that too. You may have more freedom to prioritize yourself and your health goals without compromise.

Either way, you deserve to feel strong, fit, and vibrant as you age. Let’s ditch the stereotypes and rewrite the midlife narrative.

Ready to take your health back into your own hands?

Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, I’ve got space for you at Elle Jolie Wellness. Book a consultation and let’s build a training, nutrition, and mindset protocol that fits your real life. No gimmicks. No shame. Just science, strength, and support.

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