Embracing the Dad Bod Mentality: A New Age of Body & Mental Health Positivity

What is the Dad Bod?

• The Dad Bod is a term that has gained popularity in recent years, but what exactly does it mean? The Dad Bod refers to a body type that is characterized by a slightly softer and less toned physique. It is often associated with men who are in their thirties and forties and have become fathers. This body type is celebrated for its relatability and authenticity, challenging the traditional ideals of a perfectly chiseled body. Embracing the Dad Bod is a statement of body positivity, encouraging individuals to love and accept their bodies as they are, without the pressure to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.

The origins of the Dad Bod movement

• The Dad Bod movement, although relatively new, has quickly gained popularity and sparked conversations around body positivity. It originated from a 2015 article by Mackenzie Pearson, where she described the Dad Bod as a physique that is neither overly muscular nor excessively overweight. This body type is characterized by a softer, slightly rounder appearance, often associated with fathers who prioritize family time over strict workout regimens. The movement challenges society's unrealistic beauty standards and encourages individuals to embrace their natural bodies. It promotes self-acceptance and celebrates the diversity of body shapes, emphasizing that all bodies are beautiful and deserving of love and respect.

How Mikey Parisano & Dad Bod Summer are attempting to break the stereotypes of the ideal male body & mind

• Breaking the stereotypes of the ideal male body is an important step in embracing the Dad Bod and promoting mental health for men. The media has long perpetuated the notion that men should have chiseled abs and perfectly sculpted muscles. However, the Dad Bod challenges this unrealistic expectation by celebrating a more realistic and attainable physique. The media has also created expectations with men that they cannot discuss & talk about their feelings. They cannot be depressed, or anxious, or in a funk. The phrase "man up" would always get tossed around throughout generations whenever a guy was "acting like a girl" and talking about his feelings. Embracing the Dad Bod means accepting and loving oneself as they are, with a body that reflects a balance of adulthood, work, and personal life. It's a shift away from the pressure to conform to societal standards and a recognition that bodies come in all shapes and sizes. But the biggest lesson that we want everyone to learn here is simple: mental health comes in all shapes and sizes as well. Some people are battling depression. Some people are battling anxiety. Some are battling both. Just like the Dad Bod comes in all shapes and sizes, at Dad Bod Summer we want everyone who supports our company to understand that it's okay to not be okay. And working on your mental health is just as important as working on those six pack abs! By embracing the Dad Bod mentality, we are promoting a healthier and more inclusive definition of masculinity. But for us, it starts and it ends with our mental health.