Why do middle aged married men often give up on staying fit?

What does that have to do? Someone has no time for an hour a day? Do push ups in front of the tv for christs sake

Some of us have fulfilling marriages which aren't based on looks, and we maintain attraction even as we age and change and go through phases. If I'm responding to the shallow tone of the OP, that's the answer.

Work...kids...metabolism...increased responsibilities...periods of dealing with illnesses and eventual death of your parents and prior generation close family members. Wait until you have the stress of carrying your job, your kids, your marriage, while watching a parent whither away while you're advocating for them in our medical system for 3-4 months and see what that does to your personal time to work out.

In my late 20s I averaged 100-120mpw. My super power was I never got injured. Starting in my late 30s that changed and I began having a series of near-constant hip issues that have not continued for a decade. I'm doing better now than most of this period, but still can't remember the last time I hit 35 mpw, not from laziness but just because I only get so much in before some injury kicks in and I need a couple days off. Currently nursing a hip flexor after completing a progression run with my son.

I raced at 145-150lbs, topped out at 198lbs before I decided it was ridiculous and things needed to change, and currently running about 170lbs. Not exactly out of shape considering I'm still capable of 18 flat at 47 years on such minimal mileage.

Ironically I've been held back by giving back to the sport. I started coaching XC this year and while I run with the team it's rarely what is best for me to be doing -- like parenting, I'm putting others first and doing what's best for them. So I typically get some running in but I wouldn't really call it training.

Okay..

Sounds like someone has a superiority complex and is unnecessarily fixated on others.

Like others have said. The reasons involve getting busy with kids and jobs, perhaps older parents who must be cared for, injuries, or a metabolism that overrides better intentions.

I'm 67 and running is still fun. I'll run a hilly 8-miler tomorrow morning and think about you as I chew down a bowl of yogurt, blueberries, and nails for breakfast.

if you're married you're not going to be chasing women...not as much of a point

westerners are head cases.

you want to stay in shape and eat good foods, end of story, else you life will be miserable sooner than later.

and getting fat, that is when you have lost your mind.