A new study has found that delaying marriage can significantly lower the risk of obesity among Pakistani women, especially those living in urban areas.
The research, published in a medical journal, used data from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2012–13 and 2017–18). It revealed that more than half of adult women in Pakistan are overweight or obese, but women who marry later face a reduced risk of unhealthy weight gain.
Experts say marrying at a young age often increases obesity risk due to social and cultural pressures. Many women are expected to have children early, limiting their chances for higher education and access to health knowledge. This lack of awareness, combined with reduced decision-making power at home, often leads to unhealthy lifestyles and weight gain.
The study, led by the University of York, highlighted that delaying marriage provides women with more opportunities for education, better literacy, and greater access to health information. These factors encourage healthier habits and stronger awareness about nutrition.
Researchers also found that postponing marriage narrows the age gap between spouses, which improves women’s influence in household decision-making. With greater control over food choices, women not only improve their own health but also contribute positively to their children’s well-being.
Despite these advantages, nearly 40 percent of Pakistani women still marry before turning 18. The study showed that for urban women, each year of delay in marriage reduces the risk of obesity by around 0.7 percent. Women who married at age 23 or later had the strongest protection against obesity.
