Associations between relationship status and day-to-day health behaviors and weight among diverse young adults.

Abstract

Introduction Previous research has shown strong positive associations between physical and psychological health outcomes and being in a committed relationship, such as marriage, however little research has investigated whether being in a committed relationship is protective for day-to-day health behaviors such as dietary patterns and physical activity. The main aim of this paper is to examine associations between relationship status and day-to-day health behaviors (e.g. dietary intake, physical activity) and weight status among a diverse cohort of young adults. Methods This cross-sectional study utilized data from Project EAT-III, a 10-year longitudinal population-based study (n = 1853) of Midwest young adults. Young adult participants had an average age of 25.3, and were 45% male and 55% female. Participants were socio economically and racially/ethnically diverse, including 48.4% white, 18.6% African American, 5.9% Hispanic, 19.6% Asian, 3.3% Native American, and 4.2% mixed or other race/ethnicity. Results Results indicated that married men were more likely to be overweight/obese (BMI ≥ 25) compared to single/casually dating and committed dating/engaged men. Married women were more likely to eat breakfast ≥ 5 times per week compared to women in other relationship categories. No differences were observed in young adults’ other health behaviors by relationship status. There were no significant interactions by race/ethnicity. Discussion Relationship status seems largely unrelated to young adults’ participation in physical activity and dietary behaviors. However, findings suggest that being married may be a risk factor for overweight/obesity in young adult men and may be a protective factor for other health-related behaviors associated with overweight/obesity such as eating breakfast for young adult women.

Gender Difference in Path Dependency and Spousal Bargaining in Lifestyle Formation: Evidence from Korea

“…This nding is somewhat in line with many studies that report positive contribution of marriage to body weight, where the gain is greater for males (e.g. Sobal et al 2003;Berge et al, 2014;Teachman, 2016). 9 Farrell and Shields (2002)'s calculation of intra-household correlation in sport participation based on British data is 0.357.…”

Changes in diet through adolescence and early adulthood: longitudinal trajectories and association with key life transitions

“…Previous research showing associations of diet with the home environment [ 12 – 15 ], employment status [ 16 ] and relationship status [ 17 , 18 ] have primarily been cross-sectional. For example, cross-sectional studies have demonstrated associations between adolescent diet quality and factors related to the family home environment, such as associations between availability of particular foods (e.g.…”

“…Studies examining associations between relationship status and health behaviours have shown mixed results. A cross-sectional study from the US found no associations between relationship status and fruit and vegetable, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) or fast food intake frequency among young adults [ 17 ], while a longitudinal study of young Australians found no differences in change in diet quality between those who began partnership relationships and those who did not [ 25 ]. Meanwhile in a Swiss adult sample, associations were seen between cohabitation and higher vegetable intake particularly among males [ 18 ].…”

Do singles or couples live healthier lifestyles? Trends in Queensland between 2005-2014

“…Further, evidence on the influence of relationship status on physical activity and body weight has been inconsistent [ 17 ]. Some studies [ 18 – 20 ] have shown higher rates of physical inactivity and overweight in couples, while other studies [ 8 , 21 , 22 ] have reported higher rates in singles, or no association with relationship status [ 23 – 25 ].…”