Many women say they find the relatable nature of the Dad Bod attractive(Image: Getty Images)

'Dad Bod' could signal serious health issues, warns doctor

by · BristolLive

A respected health expert has issued a stark warning about the dangers of men embracing the 'dad bod'. The term dad bod is often used to describe men who have gradually gained weight, typically after becoming fathers.

A survey by Planet Fitness revealed that seven out of 20 women find the dad bod attractive. However, Dr Hyman took to Instagram to caution against this trend, stating it's actually your body 'asking for support'.

He warned that the additional fat could lead to issues with hormones, metabolism, energy levels, and even sperm quality. He stated: "The "Dad Bod" is not just a harmless trend, it's often a sign of something deeper.

"It is more than a trend - it's your body's way of asking for support. That extra belly fat and low energy can point to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and declining testosterone, all of which can affect your overall health and fertility.

"Visceral fat around your belly actively disrupts hormones, raising oestrogen and suppressing testosterone. Combined with insulin resistance, this creates a cycle that impacts your metabolism, energy levels, and even sperm quality.

"By making intentional changes to your diet, exercise routine, and lifestyle, you can regain balance, boost testosterone naturally, and improve your overall health."

While some view the 'dad bod' as a symbol of strength, stability and relatability, others perceive it as an indicator of poor health - and there's evidence to support this, reports Surrey Live. The characteristic excess abdominal fat associated with a dad bod can signal a higher risk for certain health issues.

If there is a surplus of fat around the abdomen, it's likely that other parts of the body are also carrying extra weight. "A chiseled body doesn't have to be the goal," stated family medicine physician David Brill.

"But there's a sweet spot to be found. You don't have to be ripped to be healthy. Very rarely will I find somebody who has a lot of belly fat but no fat on their arms and legs," he added. "Left unchecked, a dad bod can lead to the three horsemen of the apocalypse: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar. They all start with excess body fat."

This can result in serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and liver disease. A 2008 study involving over 360,000 participants discovered that belly fat doubles your risk of premature death.

To combat this, Dr Hyman suggests consuming whole foods rich in vegetables, healthy fats and lean proteins, while reducing intake of sugar, ultra-processed foods and alcohol. He also advocates for intermittent fasting and increased physical activity - particularly high-intensity training and strength workouts.