First time father gains weight, says study
Posted on: 27/Jul/2015 9:59:30 AM
A study conducted by Northwestern University`s Feinberg School of Medicine has shown that first time fathers also gain weight after the birth of their babies.
This applies to those who live with their children as well as those who don`t. However, the amount of weight gain differs depending on whether they live together or not. The study shows that resident fathers gained 2.6 per cent increase in body mass index (BMI) whereas the non resident dad gained 2 per cent BMI. Researchers followed the weight pattern of a six foot dad who stayed with his child - he gained 2 kgs after becoming a dad, and a six foot dad who did not stay with his child - he gained 1.5 kgs.
The study, which was published in the American Journal of Men`s Health, was controlled by other factors that could affect weight gain. These factors were age, race, education, income, daily activity, screen time and marriage status.
Said a researcher, "Fatherhood can affect the health of young men, above the already known effect of marriage... The more weight fathers gain and the higher their BMI, the greater risk they have for developing heart disease as well as diabetes and cancer... New fathers` weight gain may be due to changes in lifestyle and eating habits. You have new responsibilities when you have your kids and may not have time to take care of yourself the way you once did in terms of exercise. Your family becomes the priority."
