Why 'Dad Bod' isn't Really a Diss (It Never Was!)

It’s a joke, a term of endearment, but it’s never actually an insult. “Dad bod,” a term invented by the internet generation describing the softer, rounder male physique, has been thrown carelessly for years. Maybe you’ve used it to talk about your friends in jest, or maybe you’ve used it to describe your own body.

Yet despite it being a lighthearted term, it can still trigger some insecurity, if not a mild desire to diet and go to the gym. If you have a dad bod, here are some reasons why you shouldn’t let it bother you.

Whether you’re an actual dad or you just have a dad bod, don’t get too bummed if someone points it out. In case you’ve been living under a rock, women dig it. In 2021, Dating.com conducted a survey showing that 75% of people prefer men with dad bods over those who are super fit or have a muscular build. 

Being proud of your dadbod increases your chances of meeting someone who would appreciate your belly – if you’re single, of course. It shows people that, while you do invest some time in the gym, you also like to eat rice and pizza. It also shows them that you have other stuff going on and that you’re probably easygoing and fun. 

If you are a father, then don’t sweat the dad bod! It’s a part of your evolution and transition into fatherhood. Even science agrees. According to the American Journal of Men’s Health, fatherhood affects a man’s body mass index (BMI), too. While they may not be physically bearing the child, fathers gain weight through chemical changes in the body.

Testosterone levels can drop, also known as “sympathetic pregnancy," resulting in an increase in appetite to match their partner’s. So don’t worry if you’re gaining a little weight. It's just your body being supportive of your significant other.

Having a dad bod puts you in this elite club of men. It’s like Fight Club, but you can talk about it and you can have snacks. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? You’ll have a secret understanding of men you’ve never met, their lifestyle, what they’re going through, and what they enjoy. Not that all men with dad bods are the same, but you will have a lot of things in common. At parties, you’ll gravitate towards each other, have beers, and not care about the carbs. 

The realization that your dad bod is beautiful must accompany the acceptance of how unfair society is to women. There's no endearing term for women who have gained weight because of motherhood or age — why is that? With the “dad bod” as your superpower comes a great responsibility of being less judgmental of women’s bodies.

On the other hand, you also need to take care of yourself. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, this adorable body type of yours puts you at risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. A little belly may be attractive to some, but don’t let it get too big and out of control.

Apart from having a balanced diet and exercising regularly, take care of your dad bod with good personal hygiene. Shower with Dove Men+Care Extra Fresh Body Wash and CLEAR Cool Sport Menthol Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for Men to stay fresh. And to boost your confidence, spray some AXE Deo Bodyspray Dark Temptation.

The next time someone points out your dadbod, don’t sweat it. Remember, you’re awesome no matter what your body type.