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Marriage can have its ups and downs. New research shows that in the first couple years after marriage, women are much more likely than men to gain weight. For men, it's divorce that often leads to extra pounds. The swings for both genders were more pronounced after the age of 30. The findings were presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Sociological Association in Las Vegas.
But long-standing unions appear to help in the heart department. Married cardiac patients who had bypass surgery were two-and-a-half times more likely to survive another 15 years or more than those who were single at the time of their surgery. The findings were published in the journal Health Psychology.
Married patients who reported a "satisfying" relationship got the biggest boost in survival. Happy women especially benefited. They were nearly four times as likely to live long after bypass surgery as were the unmarried. So, even if it threatens the waistline, a good marriage might actually help mend broken hearts. Awww.
—Katherine Harmon
[The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]
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6 Comments
Add CommentThese correlation studies are meaningless unless the groups who get married or don't get married are identical to begin with.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisPhysically and mentally fit individuals are more likely to find partners and are more likely to have better lifestyles throughout life.
Divorced men gain weight? The odds are tilted because sometimes the reasons leading to divorce can include poor behavior and lack of attention to self (drinking, e lack of exercise etc.).
A bit of difference in controlled groups tilts stats
Makes me wish i get married.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisI agree with geojellyroll, the original groups would have to be huge to control for all the possible variables. The researchers may or may not address these issues in their publication but surely journalists have the responsibility of analysing the study carefully rather than just publishing claims that should be heavily qualified.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisStudy confirms health benefits in marital relationship. A happy married life helps a patient to recover from a heart surgery. The connection it brings like the happiness within for a full recovery.Article I read entitled <a title="Key to survival after heart surgery might be a good marriage" href="http://www.newsytype.com/10431-heart-surgery-good-marriage/">Key to you surviving following heart surgery could be a good marriage</a> discussing related matter. It is good to know that marriage has good effect in a couple's survival аftеr a major health operation. A relationship that would truly last in sickness and in good health.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisGeojellyroll is correct. I also wonder, isn't it better to not need the bypass surgery?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisMarriage increases possibility of gaining weight. And higher body weights also increase risks of getting heart diseases. So, actually, marriage does no good to hearts, I think. But I have to admit that it helps mend already broken hearts.
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