What the dad bod is a sign of – and why we should celebrate it

What dad’s really look like

It’s time to face reality. It’s time to be honest about what dads really look like. Yes, some men do have six-packs, amazing skin, no wrinkles and practically no body fat. Yes, some of these men are also dads. I get that, but isn’t it time to say that most dads don’t have that type of body?

Let’s go further and recognise the reason why many don’t have that type of body is precisely BECAUSE they’re a dad!

There aren’t enough hours in the day

There simply aren’t enough hours in the day for most of us dads to live in the gym. We’re far too busy ‘dadding’ to spend any time thinking about our own appearance. For me, if I get the chance to brush my teeth in the morning – I think I’m onto a winner.

Most dads I know, especially with young kids, have given up the activities they used to do before they had kids. They simply don’t have time for football, running or going to the gym as they used to. These dads are far too busy with nappies, bath time and dropping their kids off at Cubs/Guides/Karate etc.

What the dad bob is actually a sign of

Developing a Dad Bod is a physical sign of the sacrifices dads make – it shows the devotion fathers up and down the country have to their children. It’s as simple as that.

Let’s change the way we view the Dad Bod. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Let’s see clothing manufacturers using models that look like real dads, let’s see role models emerge who may be carrying a few extra pounds. Let’s see ‘beauty’ competitions that view men with a Dad Bod as ‘hot’.

I’m not saying dads shouldn’t embrace a healthy lifestyle, or allow themselves to become totally out of condition. What I’m trying to point out is we shouldn’t criticise fathers for not achieving someone else’s view of the ‘perfect’ body.

Chris McGuire, The Mirror