Fitness Trends Is Having a Dad Bod Healthy or Just Trendy? By Darla Leal facebook twitter linkedin instagram Darla Leal is a Master Fitness Trainer, freelance writer, and the creator of Stay Healthy Fitness, where she embraces a "fit-over-55" lifestyle. Learn about our editorial process Darla Leal Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Richard Fogoros, MD on January 16, 2019 Richard N. Fogoros, MD, is a retired professor of medicine and board-certified internal medicine physician and cardiologist. He is Verywell's Senior Medical Advisor. Learn about our Review Board Richard Fogoros, MD Updated on June 25, 2019 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is a Dad Bod? Are Dad Bods Healthy? Male Positivity Ways to Improve The new pop trend for middle-aged fathers is embracing a softer body type known as the Dad bod. You may have seen men, including celebrities, sporting Dad bod selfies on social media. There’s also a bit of blowback from fit Dads showing off their version of a Dad bod. The Dad bod has certainly become somewhat controversial—accepted by some and frowned on by others. The term has caused a bit of confusion about what is considered a healthy body for men, especially in a society obsessed with being lean and having sculpted abs. Could a softer look for men be the new way to balance workouts and workloads? It appears to be growing in popularity because it promotes a more relaxed lifestyle and body. However, it may be encouraging an unhealthy lifestyle and increased risk for disease and illness. There are a few questions about the Dad bod trend that have surfaced. They include: Is a Dad bod healthy?Does it promote positivity?Is it body shaming?Should a father no longer worry about maintaining his body?What’s the difference between a Dad bod and a fit bod? What Is a Dad Bod? "Dad bod" is a popular slang term referring to the less fit body type of middle-aged fathers. The Urban Dictionary defines the Dad bod as softly round and built for comfort. The theory is based upon the belief that once a man becomes a husband and father, he doesn’t have to worry about taking care of his body as much. The Dad bod is said to be a cross between being muscular and overweight—men are hitting the gym occasionally during the week and enjoying a few beers on the weekend. Although having a Dad bod appears to be a popular trend, it may not be the best health choice. Are Dad Bods Healthy? A man with a Dad bod is slightly overweight, without a sculpted frame. In order to know if this body type is healthy or unhealthy, body fat percentage calculations and Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements are recommended. Body fat percentage calculations would be the most accurate indicators for being overweight. According to the American Council on Exercise, acceptable levels of body fat for men range between 18 to 24 percent. Body fat percent levels over 25 percent represent obesity. Body Mass Index (BMI) measurements use your height and weight to calculate an estimate for overweight or obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health, a normal BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9. Measurements over 25 indicate being overweight, and 30 and above represent obesity. Maintaining a Dad bod in the normal clinical ranges for body fat would be healthy, but anything above those levels increases your risk for heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and other related illness. Some health professionals feel having a Dad bod may not be the healthiest body type because it includes more fat around the abdominal area. Research indicates increased abdominal fat can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. Male Positivity Men can struggle with body image and have insecurities about the way they look. The positive attention from the Dad bod trend appears to have boosted a positive self-image for men. Society accepting a softer male physique has given a large percentage of the male population an attainable fitness goal. Men are feeling better physically and emotionally, not under pressure to have the perfect muscular build or ripped abs. The Dad bod is accepted by both men and women as healthy and attractive. It has caused a positive shift toward male self-image and visual standards set by society. Ways to Improve Having a Dad bod may mean a softer look and better positive image, but it also should include taking care of your health. The following tips will help improve your Dad bod and help maintain normal body fat levels while enjoying a healthy lifestyle: Avoid junk food and processed food productsEat smaller portionsEnjoy more fruits and vegetablesExercise for fun and stress reliefExercise at least 3 days per week (keep it fun)Moderation is keyReduce alcohol consumptionMake small healthy changesIncrease your water intakeGet plenty of sleep A Word From Verywell The Dad bod is a new softer look for men shifting social norms away from body perfection and towards positive self-image. The less-fit body trend for men may be considered positive and healthy if implemented the right way. Achieving a Dad bod is accomplished in moderation and through progressive positive changes. You are still living a healthy lifestyle, just being a little more relaxed. Simple Ways to Live a Healthier Lifestyle Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get exercise tips to make your workouts less work and more fun. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Clarke LH, Korotchenko A. Aging and the Body: A Review. Canadian Journal on Aging. 2011 Erin McPherson et al. Psychological consequences of the Dad Bod: Using biological and physical changes to increase essentialist perceptions of fathers. Case Report. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 2018. Garfield CF, Duncan G, Gutina A, et al. Longitudinal Study of Body Mass Index in Young Males and the Transition to Fatherhood. Am J Mens Health. 2015 National Institutes of Health. Assessing Your Weight and Health Risk. BMI and Risk Factors. Health Information for the Public. Park JH et al. Body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and metabolic syndrome as predictors of middle-aged men's health. Korean Journal of Urology. 2015