Early motherhood and hectic lifestyle key to svelte figures, shows UK-Indian study

Ever wondered how women in villages manage to stay so slim? For those who want to know the secret behind those slim figures, a study by researchers from KEM Hospital and UK doctors show that early marriage and motherhood are conducive to leanness.

The study conducted by Dr Savita Kanade, a researcher at KEM along with three doctors from Southampton General Hospital, has identified four major factors behind well-maintained bodies of rural women.

The study points out how marriage and early motherhood, hard work, lack of autonomy and financial freedom, and heavy responsibilities such as keeping household together are the main reasons for their seldom putting on weight.

"The women said that if they had regular, well paid jobs their anxiety would be relieved.u00a0 They also wanted more autonomy and lesser pressure to behave in a conformed manner. Hence, stress and early marriage seemed to be key to their thinness," observed Kanade.

Does that mean that for all those women who are trying to lose the extra flab, early motherhood and nagging in-laws might be the key?

"It depends a lot on one's nutritional intake. Women in rural areas generally tend to compromise on the nutritional value for their men and children. If women lead lives where their intake is simple, and keep up high physical activity, for example not having maids in the house, then yes, a slim figure is possible," said Geeta Desai (46), diet consultant from Aundh.

Tanya Patnaik, a 21-year-old student from Koregaon Park, said that just doing household work like village women would suffice for a lean body.

She also added, "But I am sure no one wants to lose her peace. It's better to be fat and happier."