Health (body type)

Introduction

Societal fascination with ideal body type can put undue pressure on people to conform.

An example is the term ‘Dad Bod Blues’ which term describes male physique that's neither lean nor overweight—and it has implications for modern masculinity.

In this context, "Dad Bod Blues" probably examines how the acceptance of it reflects changing attitudes toward male body image, aging, and the pressures of maintaining physical fitness amidst the demands of fatherhood and professional life.

There are psychological aspects of embracing or resisting this body type, possibly highlighting the tension between self-acceptance and societal standards.

Research has shown that men with children

“…were 4.5 kg heavier than childless men on the average and carries almost 2 extra inches around the waist…”

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (USA) as quoted by Luke Benedictus, 2024

This involves more than finishing a child's leftovers at mealtimes. It involves children taking more and more of their father's time

“ In the US, fathers today spend three times as much time with their children as their…… counterparts did back in the 1960s…”

Pew Research Centre (USA) as quoted by Luke Benedictus, 2024

As fathers still spend the same amount of time working, activities like exercise are reduced to compensate for increased time with their children; with exercise becomes too hard to fit into family life.

“…Young men who become fathers spend five hours less per week doing physical activity…”

University of Newcastle as quoted by Luke Benedictus, 2024

Missing out on exercise, with the resultant weight gain, can have a negative impact on health.