The effect of marital transition on body weight changes among Indonesian adults: A Longitudinal study

Abstract

This research investigated the effect of marital transition on body weight changes among Indonesian adults aged 20 year old or older. It hypothesized that transition from unmarried to married adults significantly increased the body weight. We analyzed 26,386 adults from Indonesian Family Life Survey waves 4 and 5 using multiple linear regression with wide form of longitudinal data. The analysis was modelled based on sex (male and female) and generation (younger and older). The analysis controlled for sociodemographic, health behaviors, and psychological aspect. The results revealed that compared to those remain never married, transition from never married to be married significantly increased 2.30 Kilograms (kg) body weight for the whole sample as well as for sub-groups analysis. The transition from separated/widowed/divorced to married also significantly increased body weight in the whole sample and sub-group analysis, except male. In contrast, the transition from married to separated/divorced/widowed decreased body weight among the whole sample, males, and younger. The body weight was found decreased 1.31 kg among males and younger generation who remained married decreased, among males, older, and younger generations who remained divorced/separated, and among the whole sample and younger generations who remained widowed. Findings align with the life course theory and existing researches indicating that lifestyle changes following marriage, including eating habits and reduced physical activity, may contribute to weight gain. Health interventions targeting newlyweds, encouraging healthy behaviors such as maintaining physical activity and making nutritious dietary choices early in marriage are needed.