How To Be a Dad Without a “Dad Body”

by Agnes Krisantibullet
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Reviewed by dr. Koh Hau-Tek
How To Be a Dad Without a “Dad Body”
How To Be a Dad Without a “Dad Body”

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase "dad body"? Big belly? If that's the answer, it means you share the same viewpoint as many others. In fact, "dad body" is more than just physical appearance. There are things to beware of.

When we are still single, we strive for an ideal and proportionate body. It doesn't matter if you're male or female. The main goal is to be appealing to potential mates. Otherwise, it could be to gain recognition, to be beautiful, or simply to improve one’s health.


Once a perfect spouse is found, there is a change. Women are considered normal if they experience weight gain due to the process of pregnancy and delivery. For men, however, bloating of the stomach remains shocking, even becoming a joke.


What causes men to have the "dad body"?


The bumped stomach is associated with the status of "dads." This is due to the fact that many men who eventually marry and have children have a large stomach. But how did this occur?


According to one study, men become indifferent to their appearance after marriage. In addition to already having a spouse, their focus has now shifted to finances. Their focus on making money makes it difficult for them to regulate nutritional balance, as well as exercise and rest time.


The increase in happiness, comfort, and activities at home also affect weight gain. After work, dads tend to get tired, so they prefer to just relax with their family at home.


Scientifically, this is related to how the body stores fat. If the female body tends to store fat in the pelvis and thighs, the male body stores it in the stomach.


The stomach has capacity, just like a container. The stomach will swell if fat accumulation continues. Once the stomach is full, the body begins to store fat in other areas, such as the arms, thighs, cheeks, and so on.


Spreading fat across many parts of the body is already problematic, especially when it comes to appearance. This is due to the stereotype that a fat body is inversely proportional to a healthy one, which is defined by being slim, muscular, and stocky.


However, the real issue arises when the body begins to store fat in organs such as the liver, pancreas, and muscles. How is it not? Diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, and heart disease are all risks.


How to reduce bumped stomach


Bumping stomachs among married men are now considered normal. Some even regard it as a measure of happiness. Surprisingly, people frequently question a man who has been married but whose stomach has not been bumped.


Big tummies and jokes about them are funny. However, that does not mean it is good and needs to be maintained. To avoid long-term harm, reduce belly fat in the following ways:


1. Dietary habit



Try putting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in your body in a balanced amount. Even though you've been exercising, keep up your diet because feeling free to eat anything after a little exercise can actually cause a plunge.


The calories burned after a 30-minute run can easily be replaced by one small pastry. Then, sweet toast, martabak, or fried noodles accompanied by a cup of sweet coffee or tea after exercise are also not appropriate. Instead of losing weight, it's easier to gain weight.


2. Lifestyle



The problem is caused by stress. Cortisol, a hormone that influences how and where the body stores fat, rises in response to stress. When it is too high, it produces glucose, which raises your blood sugar.


When someone is emotionally stressed and sleep deprived, cortisol levels rise. Exercise, play music, or make your wife and children laugh to relieve stress. A strict diet should also be followed.


3. Physical activity



Increase your physical activity to burn fat. Physical activity is the most effective way to keep our bodies in good shape.


You can walk for 15-30 minutes, go for a morning jog with your family, clean the entire house, clean up your backyard and garden, wash your car, or engage in an outdoor activity like cycling or hiking.


Choose what you like and make it your routine. Simply move your entire body!


Effective exercise for losing belly fat


When discussing weight loss, exercise is always mentioned. But what kind of exercise is useful and effective?


Here's how to do an effective belly exercise.

  • Combine aerobic and anaerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise burns fat, whereas anaerobic exercise builds muscle. Combine them to achieve the best results.

  • Concentrate on abdominal exercises. The stomach is the axis or core of the body. Exercise it to strengthen it. Pilates is the most effective exercise, but you can also try sit-ups, reverse crunches, and planks.

  • Make time for vigorous exercise. Choose a strenuous exercise that you can do, such as swimming, walking, or aerobics. Set the time. For instance, 2-3 times per week. Keep to the schedule.

  • Keep your abs tight all day. Muscles have the ability to remember. Use it to your advantage by toning your stomach throughout the day. The trick is to pull in your navel area until your chest expands. Keep that posture as long as possible.

If you believe having a "dad body" is totally fine, reconsider. Make physical exercise a support for your health, both physical and mental, without sacrificing time with your family. Your body's health and fitness must be pursued and sustained.

ReferenceExercise. Accessed in 2023. How Do You Exercise to Get Rid of Belly Stomach? Health Hub. Accessed in 2023. Will Running Solve My Pot Belly Problem. Live Science. Accessed in 2023. Why Do Men Gain Weight in Their Bellies? Onlymyhealth. Accessed in 2023. Weight Gain After Marriage … Todays Dietitian. Accessed in 2023. Cortisol-Its Role in Stress, Inflammation, and Indications of Diet Therapy.