Late Marriage Linked to Healthier Lifestyles in Pakistan

News Desk

Islamabad: A new study has revealed that postponing marriage not only benefits women’s education and decision-making power but also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of obesity—particularly among women in Pakistan’s cities.

The research, led by the University of York and based on Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data (2012–13 and 2017–18), found that more than half of adult women in Pakistan are overweight or obese.

However, delaying marriage was shown to significantly cut this risk. For urban women, each additional year of delay reduced the likelihood of obesity by nearly 0.7 percent, with the strongest protective effect seen in those marrying at 23 or older.

Experts say early marriage, often driven by social pressure for childbearing, exposes women to multiple health risks. Limited access to education and health knowledge, coupled with reduced decision-making power in the household, contribute to unhealthy lifestyle patterns and rapid weight gain after marriage.

Read More: https://thepenpk.com/early-breakfast-may-add-years-to-your-life-study-finds/

The study further revealed that delaying marriage often narrows the age gap between spouses, giving women greater influence in household decisions particularly over food choices. This empowerment, researchers noted, improves not only women’s own health but also that of their children.

Despite these findings, nearly 40 percent of Pakistani women still marry before turning 18, according to the study. Researchers argue that tackling entrenched gender norms and improving access to education are key to addressing the country’s rising obesity rates.

They warn that Pakistan’s growing urban obesity crisis cannot be solved through medical interventions alone social reforms that empower women to delay marriage may prove just as vital to improving public health.