Take a closer look at that soft or perhaps not-so-soft belly around your midsection. What appears to be a harmless sign of middle age may be causing more harm than you realize. From late-night feasting and skipped exercise to something much more sinister—environmental toxins—the culprits behind belly fat extend beyond diet. Daily exposures to plastic containers, personal care products, and more may disrupt your hormones and stealthily lead to weight gain. As we celebrate Father's Day 2025, take the discussion about so-called "dad bod" from funny to healthy—and discover what your gut may be whispering.

On the surface, the "dad bod" can look like a endearing sign of fatherhood—a physical manifestation of priorities changing after children enter the equation. That bulging belly, even affectionately referred to with colloquialisms such as "beer belly" or "potbelly," has gained cultural validation in recent times. But behind that soft (or occasionally hard) façade, there exists an emerging health issue with dire consequences.

As we honor fathers on this Father's Day, it's time to shine the spotlight on a problem that affects millions of men around the world: middle-aged abdominal fat. More than a vanity issue, this colloquially termed "dad bod" is strongly associated with chronic illness, hormonal imbalance, and even mortality.

What Is a Dad Bod?

The phrase "dad bod" has become shorthand for calling a middle-aged guy with an average body—someone who isn't obese but isn't lean either. Social media and popular culture have fully embraced this trope, providing a welcome respite from sculpted gym physiques.

But what fuels this change? Anecdotally, the change occurs after becoming a father. The physical and emotional stresses of having children frequently result in lifestyle changes: more sedentary, midnight snacking, and added stress. But it's not just anecdotal. Northwestern University conducted a study tracking more than 10,000 men that concluded that first-time dads gained more than 4 pounds following their child's birth, while men without children lost weight during the same timeframe.

Beer Belly: Why Men Store Fat in the Abdomen?

Although both men and women accumulate fat with age, men have a biological tendency to store it around the belly. Unlike women, for whom estrogen serves to store fat around hips and thighs to use as energy during pregnancy or lactation, men do not have this hormonal benefit. Instead, decreases in testosterone and natural loss of muscle mass lead to the accumulation of belly fat—in this case, the unhealthy sort called visceral fat.

This tough belly fat doesn't just fill out the midsection—it encircles internal organs such as the liver and intestines. And that's where it becomes lethal. Visceral fat triggers inflammation, derails metabolic function, and surges the bloodstream with fatty acids, elevating cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Why Visceral Fat Around The Belly Is A Health Time Bomb

Imagine the belly as the trunk of a vehicle. A bit of storage is fine. But when that trunk is full to bursting, fat starts being deposited in unhealthy locations such as the liver, muscles, and pancreas. The overflow effect significantly increases the risk of:

• Heart disease and heart attacks
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Fatty liver disease
• Colon and breast cancer
• Asthma and dementia

Visceral fat spews out more inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids than subcutaneous fat, the type that lies just beneath the skin. The hormonal and metabolic imbalance sets the stage for a cascade of chronic disease—most often quietly and without apparent symptoms until it is too late.

What most people don't know is that environmental chemicals also contribute to midlife weight gain. Endocrine disruptors—chemicals that interfere with hormones—are present in common products such as plastics (BPA), detergents, cosmetics, food preservatives, and even furniture. These chemicals disrupt hormone function, cause insulin resistance, and eventually lead to excess fat storage around the abdomen.

Chemicals such as phthalates, PFAS, and triclosan not only disrupt metabolism but also induce improper hormonal responses to the extent that the body will store fat or produce insulin when it's not required. In the long run, this may establish a metabolic condition that's almost impossible to change without help.

Does Fatherhood Change Men's Bodies?

Becoming a father is not only a milestone—it's a way of life disruption. From sleepless nights, at-large meals, and losing self-care habits, most fathers gradually gain weight. Eating patterns change, exercise becomes the exception, and stress increases. Factor in the psychological burden of possible postpartum depression among men—usually underrated—and the danger of gaining unhealthy lifestyle habits compound.

Even dietary habits become distorted: finishing children's meals, having snacks while driving, and favoring ease over nutrition becomes the usual. These changes, as small as they may appear, take their toll on a slow and steady build-up of visceral fat.

How to Lose the Midlife Belly?

Here's the good news: even small weight loss can significantly lower visceral fat. A study in the journal Obesity discovered that a loss of 5% of total body weight is sufficient to decrease visceral fat by 11%. For a 200-pound person, that's only 10 pounds of weight loss—but with a big health benefit.

Steps to begin with:

Get tested: Have lab testing done to determine nutrient deficiencies or hormonal disruptions that might be causing weight gain.

Cut the toxins: Get rid of products containing toxic parabens, phthalates, and BPA in your home and personal care products.

Know your genetics: Some genes play a role in how well you absorb and store fat. Knowing what your genetic makeup is can assist you in personalizing a diet and lifestyle plan that suits you.

Move more: Walking, bodyweight training, or going to the gym, all add up to burning fat and lowering inflammation.

Eat closer to nature: Lean proteins, fiber vegetables, and whole foods aid in weight loss and healthy microbiome. A healthier gut can lower inflammation and avoid obesity.

Consult medical assistance: GLP-1 receptor inhibitors such as Ozempic can be considered with a doctor's guidance for those who have resistant visceral fat or metabolic complications.

Father's Day 2025 can be more than just burgers and presents. It can also be a time for reflection. For all that energy and love dads invest in their family, now it's time to invest some of that energy into self-care. That midlife belly isn't all about image or clothing size—it's a way to your future health.

When the pregnancy test turns positive, a flood of excitement, anticipation, and in many cases, anxiety sets in—not only for the mother-to-be, but also for her partner. When all eyes usually remain on the pregnant woman's body and mood, new research and anecdotal evidence are revealing an unexpected phenomenon: expectant fathers can experience physical and psychological changes that resemble pregnancy symptoms. This is a real phenomenon, referred to as Couvade Syndrome or sympathetic pregnancy—something that isn't imagined, but a valid and multifaceted reaction that's gaining international acclaim.

What Is Couvade Syndrome?

Couvade Syndrome is named from the French term couver, which means "to brood" or "incubate." It is a disorder where men develop pregnancy-like symptoms as their partner is pregnant. These symptoms start in the first trimester, decrease in the second trimester, and then show up again in the third trimester—tightly following the path of the mother.

Though not technically classified as a medical or psychological illness, Couvade Syndrome has been noted through various cultures and societies. In certain tribal rituals of old, men would ritually perform labor to show support for their mate—a ritualistic forerunner to the psychosomatic phenomenon now clinically debated as an empathetic, stress-related, or hormonal response.

Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Couvade Syndrome

Think it's all in their minds? Think again. Pregnant men with Couvade Syndrome describe a remarkable array of physical and mental symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting: A surprising similarity to morning sickness
• Gastrointestinal problems: Bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhea or constipation
• Changes in appetite and weight: Some put on weight (aka "sympathy weight"), others can lose their appetite completely
• Sleep problems and fatigue: Insomnia or constant drowsiness
• Back pain and leg cramps
• Toothaches and skin rashes
• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety and depression

Up to 38% of expectant fathers, or the first-time father in one international study, experienced over 19 symptoms when they found out that their partner was pregnant. The reasons are not certain yet but the most commonly accepted theories are psychosomatic reactions, hormonal changes (such as reduced testosterone and increased prolactin), and psychological mechanisms like "compathy," shared pain or emotional distress.

Is Couvade Syndrome Common?

Surprisingly, yes—more than you might have guessed. Incidence rates of Couvade syndrome also differ widely based on the nation and study criteria, from 11% up to a whopping 65% worldwide. In the United States alone, estimates suggest that between 25% to 97% of expectant fathers could experience it. The rate in Poland is as high as 72%, with the United Kingdom and Australia reporting lower rates, at between 25% and 31%. Other nations, such as Sweden, Thailand, and China, also register considerable prevalence. These differences indicate that although the phenomenon may be subjective and culturally influenced, sympathetic pregnancy is certainly no rarity.

What Causes Couvade Syndrome?

The scientific community hasn't yet determined a single determining cause of Couvade syndrome, but some of the most current theories provide interesting explanations. One explanation is empathy and emotional attachment—men who are strongly bonded to their pregnant partner might unconsciously pick up and mirror their partner's bodily stress. Hormonal changes have also been found, with research reporting decreased testosterone and raised levels of prolactin and cortisol in some prospective fathers, which can cause mood swings, lethargy, or other physical symptoms. Stress and anxiety, especially for first-time dads, can also be a factor, with the prospect of new responsibility bearing down on them physically. Also, shifting psychosocial expectations of fatherhood could be a factor. As social norms change and promote more engaged, emotionally responsive parenting, men might internalize and replicate facets of pregnancy more strongly than generations past.

Dads today are not hanging back in the wings anymore. From attending prenatal visits to taking birthing classes and carrying out skin-to-skin contact after birth, contemporary dads are actively involved. This greater engagement may be amplifying their emotional and physiological identification with pregnancy, a component of couvade symptoms' prevalence.

Anthropologists consider that this change is a development of classic gender roles and possibly the reason couvade syndrome is reported more often today than in earlier generations.

Coping with and Managing Couvade Symptoms

There is no official treatment of Couvade Syndrome, but there are methods that can ease it:

Stay informed: Taking prenatal classes and reading parenting books can prepare expectant fathers better.

Communicate: Have open talks with your partner concerning your feelings and physical changes. You can be met with mutual understanding instead of confusion or dismissal.

Consult professionals: If symptoms become a cause of distress, talking to a psychologist or a medical doctor can provide insight and ways of coping.

Practice self-care: Regular exercise, meditation, and proper nutrition can help in coping with stress-related symptoms.

Lean on your support network: Don't be afraid to call on friends, family, or online networks of expectant dads.

While it is common, couvade syndrome usually goes unnoticed—dismissed as strange, overblown, or even manipulative behavior but defined as a real psychosomatic experience can affirm expectant dads and open the door to more honest, supportive dialogue throughout pregnancy.

Understanding that pregnancy impacts both partners—though differently—can promote mutual compassion, enhance communication, and cultivate deeper emotional connections on one of life's most transcendent paths.

Pregnancy could be an experience shared in ways we never thought possible. Couvade Syndrome, although yet to be fully comprehended, highlights the depth of emotion and changing role of modern dads.

Heart disease is a major problem throughout the world. Being one of the top killers globally, doctors often urge people to understand the symptoms and early signs of heart issues. While there are many emergency treatments people go for when a health situation like a heart attack, stroke, or blockage arises, it is best to take preventative measures as the results are better when you catch the issue early.

When one says heart issues, people often picture a person feeling chest pains and heavy breathing. While there is one sign of deteriorating heart health, there are other more subtle signs as well. Here are some overlooked signs of heart health, according to the British Heart Foundation

Swollen Ankles Can Signal Heart Trouble

Swollen ankles or feet can be a quiet but important sign that your heart isn't working as well as it should. If your heart isn't pumping efficiently, blood can build up in other parts of your body, causing fluid to collect. While swelling can also happen from standing a lot or other health issues, ongoing or unexplained swelling, especially with breathlessness or tiredness, might mean heart failure or circulation problems. If swelling continues or gets worse, it's vital to get medical advice.

Stomach Pain: More Than Just Indigestion?

Sometimes, stomach pain can be a sign of heart issues, even though it's often mistaken for indigestion. Because these symptoms can feel like common stomach problems, they're often overlooked. If your stomach pain won't go away, happens when you exert yourself, or comes with breathlessness, tiredness, or sweating, it's important to see a doctor to rule out more serious concerns.

Unexpected Sweating Can Be a Red Flag

Sweating a lot without a clear reason, like heat or exercise, can be an early warning sign of heart problems. If you start to feel hot and clammy along with chest pains, you should get urgent medical help right away.

Arm and Leg Pain

Leg pain or cramps in your calves could signal peripheral artery disease (PAD), where blood vessels in your legs are narrowed or blocked. This type of pain, especially during activity, means less blood is flowing to your muscles. Having PAD can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. If you have ongoing leg pain or cramping during activity, talk to a healthcare professional.

Arm pain can also be a key warning sign of a heart attack, often feeling like pain spreading from your chest to your arms. This can come with other symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. If you have unexplained arm pain with these signs, get medical help immediately.

Persistent Tiredness: A Sign Your Heart Needs Checking

Constant fatigue, especially when you've had enough sleep and haven't overdone it, can be an early sign of poor heart health. If your heart isn't pumping well, your muscles and tissues get less oxygen-rich blood, making you feel constantly tired or weak. This is often noticeable during everyday activities that used to be easy, like climbing stairs. If you're unusually drained or have low energy often, consider a heart health check. There are even home tests available that can help you understand your heart age and risk factors.

Palpitations and High Blood Pressure: Key Indicators

Frequent or severe palpitations (feeling like your heart is racing or fluttering) can sometimes be harmless, but they might point to an underlying heart condition or an abnormal heart rhythm. One common abnormal rhythm, called atrial fibrillation, can increase your risk of a stroke. Pay attention to these feelings, especially if they come with dizziness, chest pain, or shortness of breath, and seek medical advice to manage your heart health.

High blood pressure is one of the most important risk factors for heart disease. If your blood pressure is too high, it can damage your arteries. You can often get free blood pressure checks at pharmacies to help assess your heart health

“The Boys” actress Erin Moriarty is using her platform to spotlight an often-overlooked autoimmune condition— Graves' disease. In an intimate Instagram post, Moriarty, 30, explained how she thought her symptoms were just stress and exhaustion but was properly diagnosed with Graves' disease last month—an autoimmune disease that impacts 1 in 100 Americans.

Erin Moriarty, posted on Instagram to announce she has been diagnosed with Graves' disease. At first, she had written off her symptoms as just "stress and fatigue." But after treatment began last month, she felt an incredible change in her health. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment, I started feeling the light turn back on — and it's just gotten brighter ever since," she posted. Encouraging her fans to listen to their own health, she added, "If your light is fading, even a little bit, go get checked."

This revelation doesn't just underscore the need to heed our bodies—it also yanks Graves' disease out of medical invisibility and into mainstream health conversation. Here's what you need to know about the condition, its symptoms, who it most affects, and how early diagnosis can be a life-saver.

What Is Graves' Disease?

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets the thyroid gland, leading it to release excessive hormones beyond what the body requires. It results in hyperthyroidism—overactive metabolism—and impacts almost every organ in the body.

As stated by the National Institutes of Health, this hormonal excess can interrupt the normal energy balance of the body and lead to a wide range of symptoms that may go unseen or be attributed to contemporary stressors.

Moriarty's story is typical of numerous instances in which early symptoms of autoimmune malfunction are written off. "Autoimmune disease presents differently in everybody/every body," she wrote. In her case, it was a strange degree of fatigue and emotional burnout. "If I hadn't attributed it all to stress and fatigue, I would've caught this sooner."

Within 24 hours of starting treatment, Moriarty reported feeling "the light coming back on"—evidence of how rapidly Graves' disease can recover with the proper treatment when caught early.

Signs of Graves' Disease to Watch Out For

Graves' disease has no one, obvious symptom. Rather, it's usually a disorienting mix of physical and emotional symptoms. Early signs are:

• Sensitivity to heat
• Unexplained weight loss even though appetite is normal or increased
• Fatigue, insomnia, or nervousness
• Anxiety, irritability, and tremors
• With worsening of the disease, people may have:
• Rapid heart rate or palpitations
• Increased bowel movements
• Shortness of breath
• Interrupted menstrual periods
• Erectile dysfunction or decreased libido

One of the more overt effects is Graves' ophthalmopathy—occasionally seen in a third of patients—which may result in:

• Bulging or irritated eyes
• Blurred or double vision
• Light sensitivity
• Eye pressure or pain

It is rare that patients will develop Graves' dermopathy, a thickened and colored skin eruption, particularly on the shins.

What Causes Graves' Disease?

Though precise causes are unknown, the Cleveland Clinic identifies a combination of environmental and genetic factors. A renegade immune system starts to make antibodies that hyperstimulate the thyroid gland. Heredity accounts for approximately 79% of the risk factor, but stress, infections, and hormonal changes may serve as the trigger.

Moriarty's experience is familiar to many young women who discount recurring symptoms until they have reached a crisis point. "Within 24 hours of starting treatment," she wrote, "I began to feel the light coming on."

Who's Most at Risk?

Graves' disease is a relatively uncommon condition, but it strikes disproportionately against women, five times more likely to be diagnosed than men. Risk factors are:

• Family history of autoimmune disorders
• Deficiency in vitamin D or selenium
• Smoking
• Underlying conditions such as Type 1 diabetes, vitiligo, or rheumatoid arthritis

Women in their 20s and 30s—such as Moriarty—are especially susceptible, making it even more important to be aware of it early on, says Yale Medicine.

Treating Graves' Disease

In the U.S., treatment usually begins with medicines known as antithyroid medications, such as methimazole or propylthiouracil, which suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Most individuals start feeling better within a short time, but complete remission takes anywhere from 12 to 18 months.

When medications do not bring long-term relief from Graves' disease, more intensive measures may be needed. Radioiodine therapy is a common technique that destroys the excess thyroid tissue. When the condition is more severe or does not respond to other measures, a thyroidectomy might be necessary. Because both procedures can result in hypothyroidism, hormone replacement therapy is usually lifelong to sustain hormonal equilibrium. As in the case of Erin Moriarty, identifying symptoms early and taking prompt action can greatly enhance the quality of life and avert complications.

What Are The Risks of Not Treating Graves' Disease?

Untreated, Graves' disease can severely impact overall health and result in several complications. One of the more alarming risks is atrial fibrillation, a form of irregular heart rhythm that can worsen to heart failure or stroke. In extreme cases, the patient can suffer a thyroid storm — a sudden and life-threatening injection of thyroid hormones. The disease also leads to osteoporosis over time, making the patient more prone to fractures through weakened bones. Furthermore, there's also a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. For pregnant women, the stakes are even greater: if left untreated, Graves' disease can result in severe consequences including miscarriage, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and low birth weight. These complications make early diagnosis and continued management critically important.

Celebrity disclosures like Moriarty’s bring invaluable attention to conditions that are often misunderstood or stigmatized. By sharing her journey, Moriarty not only shed light on Graves’ disease but also issued a crucial call to action,“Go get checked.”

If you’ve been experiencing persistent fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or unexplained weight loss, don’t ignore the signs. In Moriarty’s words: “If yours is dimming, even slightly, go get checked.”