DAD BOD IS ONLY FUNNY IN THE MOVIES

As we near the end of August and my children plan their return to the classroom, I’m busy preparing my practice for all those parents returning to their post-summer weight loss efforts. With the kids in someone else’s hands for the better part of each day, they can, and should, reclaim time to focus on their health.

This got me thinking about the weight loss success of people who have kids versus those who do not. As a medical weight loss practitioner, patient, and father, I specifically wondered about the special considerations dads might need versus non-dad patients. Interestingly, here’s what I found.

In a 20-year study published in the American Journal of Men’s Health, it turns out that men who became fathers for the first time gained an average of 4 pounds while men of a similar profile without children actually lost an average of 1.4 pounds. For any guy who is a parent, this shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. The amount of time and effort required to care for kids, especially in the first five years, is bound to put a dent in any healthy habits that may have been already established and lead to the dreaded dad bod.

But I can’t stress enough how important it is to take the necessary steps to keep your weight under control, not only for your health but for the health of your kids. Research has shown that in families with an overweight father and a normal-weight mother, the odds of having an obese child four years later are 4.18 times greater compared with two normal-weight parents. And if the father is obese, the odds rise to 14.88 times greater. You don’t want to set your kids up for that kind of health risk.

The first thing dads should do is take the time to assess any underlying medical issues or medications that may affect their ability to lose weight. Then, fathers should understand how key lifestyle choices in the areas of food, activity, stress, and sleep can keep the dad bod at bay.

Here are some lifestyle tips for dads to help with weight loss and long-term healthy weight maintenance:

• Unless you are on newborn or toddler night duty, you should make every effort to get solid, quality sleep. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that sleep-deprived people consumed an average of 500 more calories per day than well-rested folks.

• When preparing your kids’ school lunches, try to choose nutritious foods for healthy, growing bodies. This should help you control your own weight if you find yourself snacking during the prep process. If they throw tantrums about healthy choices, pick up a book that teaches you how to sneak them into foods they do eat. Spinach in a fluffernutter sandwich? It’s possible!

• When your kids are on the playing field, there is no reason for you to keep still. Get out of the bleachers and pace along the sidelines. Jump up and down while you cheer Joey’s goal! Any movement at all versus no movement will benefit your weight loss and maintenance.

There are many joys that come with fatherhood, but extra pounds – and the associated increased risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke, – are not among them. Whether you are a seasoned dad or expecting your first, take a good hard look at how your weight might impact your family’s health and future. Set the example, and they will follow!

Dr. Matthew G. Pinto

Medical Director, CMWL