A woman walking a path to a healthy lifestyle, overcoming obstacles symbolizing smoking and sedentary behavior.

Unlocking the Secrets to Healthy Weight: Surprising Factors Beyond Diet and Exercise

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Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research reveals overlooked links between lifestyle, education, and weight management in women."


For decades, the global rise in obesity has been a major public health concern. Obesity and weight gain are linked to serious health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and even certain cancers. While diet and exercise are often the focus, new research suggests that other factors play a significant role in how we manage our weight.

A recent study, the Norwegian Women and Cancer (NOWAC) Study, investigated the factors associated with significant weight gain and the duration of obesity in a large group of Norwegian women. This study sheds light on some surprising connections beyond the usual advice.

This article breaks down the key findings of the NOWAC study, exploring the unexpected links between lifestyle choices, education, and long-term weight management in women. By understanding these factors, you can gain a more complete picture of your own weight management journey and discover new strategies for success.

The Surprising Culprits: What Drives Weight Gain and Obesity?

A woman walking a path to a healthy lifestyle, overcoming obstacles symbolizing smoking and sedentary behavior.

The NOWAC study followed over 66,000 Norwegian women for up to 13 years, collecting data on their weight, lifestyle, and other factors. The researchers identified several key factors that were strongly associated with weight gain and obesity duration.

Here's a breakdown of the most significant findings:

  • Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking was associated with the most significant increase in weight gain. Women who stopped smoking were over four times more likely to experience high weight gain (≥10 kg).
  • Decreased Physical Activity: A decrease in physical activity levels also strongly predicted high weight gain.
  • Low Physical Activity: Women with low physical activity levels were more likely to remain in an obese state long term.
  • Education Level: Lower levels of education (less than 10 years) were linked to a higher likelihood of remaining obese for an extended period.
  • Age at Menarche: women who experienced higher age at menarche are less likely to remain in an obese state long term.
These findings reveal a complex interplay of factors influencing weight management. While smoking cessation is beneficial for overall health, it can lead to weight gain for some. This underscores the need to address weight management strategies when quitting smoking. Similarly, the link between education and obesity duration highlights the importance of accessible health information and resources for all women.

Empowering Women Through Knowledge: Taking Control of Your Weight

The NOWAC study provides valuable insights into the complex factors influencing weight gain and obesity duration in women. By understanding these connections, women can make informed choices about their health and well-being.

Here are some key takeaways for women looking to manage their weight effectively:

<ul> <li><b>Stay Active:</b> Regular physical activity is crucial for preventing weight gain and maintaining a healthy weight. Find activities you enjoy and make them a part of your daily routine.</li> <li><b>Seek Support When Quitting Smoking:</b> If you're quitting smoking, be prepared for potential weight gain and seek support from healthcare professionals or support groups to manage your weight during the transition.</li> <li><b>Prioritize Education and Access to Information:</b> Access credible health information and resources to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.</li> <li><b>Consider All Factors:</b> Understand that weight management is influenced by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, genetics, and socioeconomic factors.</li> </ul>

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1159/000492002, Alternate LINK

Title: Factors Associated With High Weight Gain And Obesity Duration: The Norwegian Women And Cancer (Nowac) Study

Subject: Physiology (medical)

Journal: Obesity Facts

Publisher: S. Karger AG

Authors: Marisa Da Silva, Elisabete Weiderpass, Idlir Licaj, Charlotta Rylander

Published: 2018-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

1

What role does quitting smoking play in weight gain?

The Norwegian Women and Cancer (NOWAC) Study found that quitting smoking was associated with the most significant weight gain. Women who stopped smoking were over four times more likely to experience high weight gain (≥10 kg). This highlights that while smoking cessation is beneficial for overall health, it's important to consider and address weight management strategies when quitting smoking.

2

How does physical activity affect weight management?

The research indicates that decreased physical activity is strongly associated with high weight gain. This suggests that maintaining or increasing physical activity levels is crucial for managing weight. Low physical activity levels also made women more likely to remain in an obese state long term, emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity for long-term weight management.

3

Does education level have any impact on weight management?

Lower levels of education (less than 10 years) were linked to a higher likelihood of remaining obese for an extended period, according to the NOWAC study. This finding underscores the importance of accessible health information and resources. Education can empower women with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

4

How is the age at menarche relevant to weight management?

The research, specifically the NOWAC study, highlights that age at menarche can impact weight management. The study found women who experienced a higher age at menarche are less likely to remain in an obese state long term. This suggests that factors influencing the timing of puberty may have long-term implications for weight management.

5

What were the key factors studied in relation to weight management?

The NOWAC Study investigated factors associated with significant weight gain and the duration of obesity in a large group of Norwegian women. This study observed the association of smoking cessation, decreased physical activity, low physical activity, education level, and age at menarche and how they are linked to long-term weight management in women. These are the key factors for weight gain.

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