According to Dr. Sam Richards, a professor of anthropology and biology at Harvard University and author of How Men Age: The Evolutionary Benefits of Dad Bods, slightly overweight “older fathers not only live longer but are also considered more appealing to women and are more effective at passing on their genes” compared to their leaner counterparts who obsess over their fitness. Wait, a guy actually wrote a book celebrating the dad bod? Seriously? But it’s true.
Dr. Richards points to studies suggesting that these men are less prone to heart issues and prostate cancer. “Being overly macho can be detrimental to your health,” he argues. He further speculates that gaining a bit of weight might lead dads to invest more time in their children rather than chasing after other women, while the added body fat could even make them more attractive to some women. The “could” is undoubtedly there for a reason.
For those who might have missed it, the dad bod craze exploded when a college student named Taylor Jenkins wrote an article in The Daily Student, entitled “Why Women Adore the Dad Bod.” She claimed that women are more drawn to men whose physique strikes a balance between a beer belly and a commitment to working out, rather than to those with chiseled abs. Suddenly, fathers with a little extra padding could rejoice as they had newfound justification for finishing off their kids’ leftover snacks.
Yet, the other side of the coin remains troubling. Women are still left questioning why there’s no similar affection for the “mom bod.” And that’s the disheartening truth behind this scientific revelation—it reinforces a double standard.
As a father of three in my mid-30s, I find this research amusing. Apparently, my belly signifies lower testosterone levels and a deep commitment to my family. All that extra weight supposedly makes me a better dad, more dedicated, and less likely to stray. But what does the same logic mean for mothers?
We all know the answer, and it’s frustrating. I have watched my partner endure three pregnancies, from her waddling to sleepless nights and constant bathroom trips, only to see society pressure her to shed the baby weight and look more like a carefree college student.
I’m no anthropologist, but this double standard doesn’t add up. Dr. Richards’s claims that extra weight on men signifies family commitment could easily apply to mothers, who embody those qualities tenfold.
Just recently, comedian Dave Miller joked about motherhood, saying, “A decent dad can give a kid maybe 40% of what they need, but even a nonchalant mom can provide 200%.” While he was being humorous, it’s a sad truth that mothers often bear the brunt of parenting, even today.
It’s time to recognize this. If anyone deserves admiration for their bodies, it’s mothers. They create life, bring it into the world, and nurture it until the child is ready to leave the nest.
If we could somehow illustrate a mother’s love for her children through visuals, showcasing the stretch marks and scars that tell their stories, mothers would grace every magazine cover. A flat tummy and perfect figure look great on paper, but true beauty lies in the sacrifices mothers make.
With all this said, science has made the Dad Bod a legitimate phenomenon. But what does that really mean for us dads? Does it grant us a free pass to avoid the gym? Or is it about embracing who we are while our partners don’t enjoy the same luxury?
I get it. It’s tempting to drop this research in front of your wife and say, “Check this out!” But do we really need this validation? Did it reveal something we haven’t been hearing for years?
What I truly wish to see is fathers coming home, appreciating the mothers of their children, and recognizing everything they embody, from childbirth to endless love. Tell her how attractive she is, and odds are, she’ll reciprocate. Let’s toss aside the Dad Bod hype and all the double standards it brings. What we really need is love, empathy, and partnership, no matter what shape we’re in. That’s the real foundation of a strong family.
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Summary
Dr. Sam Richards highlights the benefits of the so-called “dad bod,” suggesting that slightly overweight fathers may be more appealing to women and more committed to family life. However, this notion raises questions about the double standards faced by mothers, who often receive less appreciation for their post-pregnancy bodies despite their sacrifices. Ultimately, we should focus on mutual respect and love within partnerships, regardless of body shape.