Studies show that women not only prefer men with a Dad bod but it also helps you live longer! The trend of mid-2015 showed celebrities including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jason Segel and Vince Vaughn sporting a larger waistline.
But now a new study finds a new benefit of having a bulkier physique. Richard Bribiescas, Professor of anthropology and deputy provost at Yale University explains the extra pounds strengthen our immune systems and prolong life.
The science behind pudgy parenthood is that testosterone levels plummet after having children and an active approach to child caring will increase this fall even more. A biological response, leading to clear psychological changes to help a father commit to the caregiving obligations of fatherhood. This hormonal change is exactly what leads to a dad bod, as Prof. Bribiescas explains in his book, ‘How Men Age: What Evolution Reveals About Male Health and Mortality’:
“[One] effect of lower testosterone levels is loss of muscle mass and increases in fat mass,”
Prof. Bribiescas continues to report the possible effects of such a change, “This change in body composition not only causes men to shop for more comfortable trousers but also facilitates increased survivorship and, hypothetically, a hormonal milieu that would more effectively promote and support paternal investment.”
The trend materialised after Clemson student Mackenzie Pearson’s viral essay brought the topic to the masses. She explains a dad bod is “a nice balance between a beer gut and working out”.
Do You Qualify?
To qualify for a dad bod your BMI must be at the higher end of the spectrum, between 25 and 29, with a BMI of over 25 being traditionally considered overweight. However, the index does not consider muscle mass which is denser than fat tissue. So it’s not a problem if you’re a regular gym-goer and you have a higher BMI than you’d expect.
A dad bod isn’t an excuse for a poor diet and neglection of exercise, as Pearson explains it’s a balance, you don’t need a six pack but you should also watch the middle-aged spread!
