In recent decades, the rising rates of obesity have sparked widespread concern, but few have examined the deeper spiritual and societal causes underlying this trend. While both men and women have experienced weight gain, research consistently shows that women are gaining weight at a faster rate than men. This increase, I argue, is not just a matter of diet and exercise but a symptom of a much deeper issue: the need for protection in a world where women feel increasingly unprotected, both emotionally and materially.

The Feminization of Struggle: Why Women Are Gaining More Weight

Statistically, women have seen a sharper increase in obesity rates compared to men. The World Obesity Federation reports that global obesity rates for women rose from 8.8% in 1990 to 18.5% in 2022, outpacing the rise in men. In the United States alone, obesity among women increased from 35.6% to 41.1% between 2005 and 2014 (Obesity Evidence Hub, MDedge).

What changes took place between the sexes in this timeframe? The most obvious societal shift has been the continued rise of feminism and the erosion of traditional gender roles. Women have been encouraged to become more independent, ambitious, and self-sufficient. But with this push for autonomy has come an unintended consequence: women are taking on more responsibility than ever while receiving less support from men.

The Spiritual Weight of Self-Protection

From a spiritual perspective, weight gain can be viewed as a subconscious protective mechanism. The body is always responding to the mind’s deeper needs, even when we are not consciously aware of them. Women who feel unprotected—emotionally, financially, and physically—may be subconsciously inclined to eat more, and thus begin to carry extra weight as a form of self-created armor.

Fat, in many esoteric traditions, is seen as a shield. It represents an effort to create a buffer between the self and external threats. This is why weight gain is often linked to trauma, particularly in women who have experienced abandonment, financial insecurity, or unsafe relationships.

When women no longer feel secure in their relationships or in society, their bodies respond accordingly. This is particularly evident in the rise of hyper-independence among women. Many women today are forced into a masculine role—controlling, self-sufficient, and constantly on guard. Yet, as they take on this energy, their bodies rebel, manifesting excess weight as a sign of imbalance.

The Decline of Male Provision and the Rise of Female Masculinization

Historically, men provided for and protected women—emotionally, financially, and physically. Marriage was a contract of support, and in return, women nurtured and created a harmonious home. This balance allowed women to feel safe, secure, and feminine.

With the rise of feminism and the normalization of sexual freedom, however, men have become less inclined to provide and commit. Why invest in a woman when modern society tells them they don’t have to? Marriage rates have declined, single motherhood has increased, and men have embraced a “free agent” lifestyle, taking advantage of women with no incentive to step up as protectors. And even within the context of marriage, men often carry a smaller share of the household and emotional load.

Research also shows that men today contribute less financially to households than in previous generations. Without male provision, women have had no choice but to become the providers themselves. The result? Increased stress, exhaustion, and an inherent masculinization of their energy.

This hyper-masculinization forces women into a chronic state of survival mode. Cortisol, the stress hormone, rises in response to financial strain and emotional insecurity. Chronic cortisol elevation is strongly linked to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area. Women are quite literally storing stress in their bodies, layering themselves in physical protection because the external world no longer provides it.

I want to emphasize that the aim here is not to cast blame on men, but rather, to shine a light on a system that has betrayed us all—shaping burdens for women and barriers for men.

The Cost of “Freedom” on Women’s Bodies

The modern narrative tells women they are “free.” Free to pursue careers, casual relationships, and personal independence. But this so-called freedom has come at a cost. Women are more anxious, depressed, and physically unhealthy than ever before.

Instead of being cherished and supported, many women are left to fend for themselves. This is particularly evident in single motherhood rates, which have skyrocketed. A study from the Pew Research Center found that the percentage of children born to single mothers increased from 5% in 1960 to over 40% today. Women are raising children alone, working full-time, and carrying the burden of two roles. And their bodies are responding accordingly—by trying to insulate them from the overwhelming demands placed upon them.

How Women Can Reclaim Balance

If weight gain is, in part, a spiritual response to a lack of protection, then the solution must involve addressing the root cause—not just dieting or exercise, but healing the underlying imbalance. Here’s how:

1. Reclaim Your Feminine Energy – Women must give themselves permission to release control and receive support. This requires surrounding themselves with people—especially men—who value and protect them.
2. Set High Standards for Relationships – The normalization of casual relationships has led to many women accepting far less than what they deserve. Women must demand provision and commitment from men rather than settling for temporary companionship.
3. Heal Subconscious Wounds Around Protection – Through modalities like hypnotherapy, energy work, and spiritual counselling, women can begin addressing their fears of vulnerability and open themselves up to being cared for.
4. Prioritize Rest and Nourishment – Feminine energy thrives in relaxation and pleasure. Chronic stress and overwork keep women in survival mode. Shifting into a space of ease allows the body to stop storing weight as a protective response.
5. Reconnect with Traditional Values – The breakdown of traditional gender roles has left both men and women unfulfilled. Restoring these values can create more harmonious relationships where women feel safe and cared for, and men feel purposeful and needed.

Conclusion: The Weight We Carry

Women’s bodies are speaking, but is anyone truly listening? The rise in female weight gain is not just a consequence of modern diets or sedentary lifestyles—it is a spiritual and societal issue. When women feel unsafe, unsupported, and overburdened, their bodies react by creating physical barriers of protection.

The solution does not lie in another crash diet or self-discipline seminar. It lies in restoring the balance between masculine and feminine, in reestablishing protection and provision, and in allowing women to step back into their natural state of softness, trust, and security. Only then can the weight—both physical and emotional—finally be released.