Dr. Darby Saxbe, professor of psychology and director of the NEST Lab at the University of Southern California, studies what actually happens to men when they become fathers. And some of her findings challenge everything we assume about the so-called “dad bod.”<\/p>\n
She reveals that across both animal and human studies, males tend to gain weight when they become fathers. It’s not just the sleep deprivation and stress-driven diet changes (though those play a role). She points to a study of tamarin monkeys fed a standardized diet: the expectant fathers gained more weight than monkeys who weren’t about to have offspring, even eating exactly the same food. The body changes happened before birth. Her theory is that it’s adaptive: a larger body is more imposing against rivals and provides a buffer against food scarcity.<\/p>\n
Then comes the counterintuitive part. Studies of single women found that when shown a range of male body types, the dad bod is the most popular. Beyond attraction, women read the dad bod as a signal that a man is more likely to be a hands-on, attentive, caring father, qualities that are genuinely attractive. She contrasts this with the online reaction when singer Olly Murs posted his ripped, toned-up physique: many women said they preferred the before picture.<\/p>\n
Discover:
\n\u2022 Why men physically gain weight when they become fathers
\n\u2022 The tamarin monkey study showing weight gain before birth on the same diet
\n\u2022 Why science says women find the dad bod most attractive
\n\u2022 Why the dad bod signals a more caring, hands-on father
\n\u2022 The conversations every couple should have before the baby arrives
\n\u2022 Why building a social support network before birth is critical
\n\u2022 What matrescence and patrescence do to your sense of self
\n\u2022 Why the hardest early period is temporary, and how to give yourself grace<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udcfa Watch the full episode here – https:\/\/youtu.be\/Ppyt3MptX5k<\/p>\n
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