Fatherhood could make you fat

A new study is solving the mystery of the concept that is the dadbod.

Researchers at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine examined the BMI (body mass index) measurements of 10,253 men; the data was collected over the course of 20 years from adolescence into their early 30s.

The results were that the average 6-foot tall, first-time father gains 4.4 pounds if they live with their child after birth and about 3.3 pounds if they live separately.

Lead author and Northwestern Associate Professor Craig Garfield said:

"Fatherhood can affect the health of young men, above the already known effect of marriage. The more weight the fathers gain and the higher their BMI, the greater risk they have for developing heart disease as well as diabetes and cancer."

According to the research, the reason for the dadbod is simply a change in eating habits and lifestyle.

Professor Craig attributes the weight gain to the lack of time new dads have for exercise due to the new responsibilities they must take on in raising their children.

He urged new fathers to break the dadbod trend as it could result in their children gaining weight as well.

See more on dadbads in the videos below.