This project is studying how divorce is related to body weight. We analyzed U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) collected in 1999-2001 on 3947 adult women and 4019 adult men to consider how gender, ethnicity, and marriage were related to body weight. The major findings were that compared to married men in the same ethnic category, White divorced men, Black never married men, and all Hispanic men had lower odds of being overweight. Compared to married women in the same ethnic category, White women did not differ significantly by marital status, Black women had greater odds of being overweight, and Hispanic never married women had lower odds of being overweight. Overall, this shows that marriage is related to body weight differently for specific gender and ethnic groups.

Body weights are increasing in the United States and it is important to identify predictors of weight gain. Divorce and separation are also increasing in the U.S. and some prior research suggests that marital status is related to body weight. This project sought to identify gender/ethnic patterns in relationships between marriage and weight. It identified two particular audiences that would benefit from targeted attention for weight loss: Separated Black women and widowed Hispanic men.

We have identified relationships between marriage and weight, presented it to a professional society in 2006(Association for the Study of Food and Society,) and are submitting a manuscript for publication.

This research provides information for health, nutrition, and family professionals that deal with body weight issues in their clients.

• Karla Hanson (Cornell University)
• Edward Frongillo (University of South Carolina)