Protection
Put yourself at ease by protecting those you love
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{{label}}20 September 2017
Becoming a new parent comes with a lot of lifestyle changes. Late night bar-hopping and drinking with friends are replaced with late night diaper changes and soothing and feeding the baby. In fact, one of the biggest challenges for new parents is maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. Most new parents find it difficult to continue going to the gym regularly or be able to do their daily 5-km run, as taking care of their infant or toddler takes up so much of their time and energy.
It is no wonder then that the 'Dad Bod' phenomenon is on the rise.
'Dad Bod' is a slang reference to a "dad's body" or the male physique that is a unique cross between a muscular and slightly-overweight body—usually the result of a formerly active and fit man not having the time or ability to maintain their previous fitness levels because of the demands of parenting.
The increasing number of high-profile Hollywood celebrities who have exhibited a 'Dad Bod' have helped make this phenomenon seemingly more acceptable and more visible. Middle-aged actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Simon Cowell, John Hamm, and Chris Pratt (before bulking up for his most recent string of blockbuster films), have been the 'poster boys' of the 'Dad Bod' phenomenon in recent years.
Numerous surveys conducted have shown that a lot of women have expressed an affinity for men with 'dad bods' as it shows a perfect mix of 'manliness' and 'fatherhood' or 'paternal care,' and even shows a different level of confidence as these men show that they are 'comfortable in their own skin.'
As men age, the decrease in testosterone levels makes it harder for them to maintain a muscular body (resulting in the 'Dad Bod'). In his book 'How Men Age: What Evolution Reveals about Male Health and Mortality,' Yale anthropology professor Richard G. Bribiescas, Ph.D., says that this "decline in testosterone may have behavioral, immunological, or metabolic effects that promote paternal investment.” In a Q&A with the book’s publisher, Bribescas explains: “This suggests that paternal engagement is important to any changes in testosterone. Caring and engagement makes a difference.” In other words, lower testosterone levels result in better, more caring fathers, which could be why 'dad bods' are appealing to a lot of women.
However, on the flip side, an increase in body fat (particularly belly fat or abdominal fat), excessive alcohol consumption, eating too much fatty food, and a lack of exercise also results in a high-risk for hypertension and stroke, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
In an interview with The Huffington Post UK, Dr. Helen Webberley from Oxford Online Pharmacy said while a “more cuddlier and softer” body may be more appealing to the opposite sex, it’s important for guys to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“As you get older, testosterone levels naturally decline, making men more cuddlier and softer, rather than pumped up, aggressive and macho,” she said. “The former are without doubt more appealing traits in a potential father making them more attractive to the opposite sex. It is however important to be aware of this burgeoning bulge which may be exacerbated by poor diet and lack of exercise, neither of which is good for general health.”
Regardless if you are in top physical condition, or if you are sporting a 'dad bod,' it is important to remember that being a healthy father helps you become a good father.
Being fit and living a healthy lifestyle gives one more strength and energy to play, run around, carry, and interact with your child, and it also helps you become smarter and mentally prepared to answer the myriad of questions from your school-age children. In fact, exercise and physical activity with your child has been proven to strengthen the emotional bonds between a parent and child.
So even though aging makes it difficult to maintain a 'six-pack,' it is actually more important for men to keep fit and continue to exercise as they grow older as it helps them to deal with the demands of being a parent and husband while juggling a career.
Part of becoming a good dad is to not only try keeping oneself healthy, but to also plan and prepare ahead for a secure financial future for your family. He doesn't leave his health or finances up to chance – he seeks ways and means to improve both aspects of his life. Good thing there is a plan that helps you prepare for both – Life Ready Plus from BPI AIA.
Life Ready Plus is a unit-linked protection plan that allows you to build your long-term savings to help fulfill the plans and dreams you have for your family. The funds can be professionally managed by BPI-Asset Management and Trust Corporation (BPI-AMTG) and BPI Investment Management Inc. (BIMI).
The product is part of the BPI AIA wellness programs. The Wellness Series is a range of insurance products powered by AIA Vitality – a program that encourages one to lead a healthy lifestyle and rewards you for it. Find the Wellness Series bundle that best fits your investment priority and enjoy an upfront 20% additional life coverage and supplementary benefits as you make healthy choices with AIA Vitality. Boost your Vitality Status and get to receive up to 50% additional coverage on the succeeding years. Plus, avail discounts from a range of partners as a reward for living healthy.
To take the first step on living longer, healthier, and better, head to a BPI branch near you or check the BPI AIA Wellness Series.
The Protection Solutions That Reward Your Healthy Choices