What your heart really thinks about the ‘dad bod’

Let’s talk about the “dad bod.”

It’s a phrase that started as a joke—kind of a badge of honor for guys who used to hit the gym but now hit the couch more often. Think broad shoulders, a little softness in the middle, maybe some leftover muscle from the glory days. It’s relatable, approachable — and honestly, not the worst thing in the world.

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But as a doctor — more specifically, a cardiologist — I get asked a lot: Is the dad bod actually healthy? Can you carry a little extra weight and still have a strong heart?

Let me give it to you straight: Your heart doesn’t care how trendy your body type is. It cares about how well you take care of it.

Now, I’m not here to shame anybody. I’m a dad myself. I know what it’