In a recent social media post, I shared a selfie of myself preparing to take my children to the pool, captioning it with a lighthearted remark about the “Dad Bod” trend. This term, which gained popularity after Mackenzie Johnson’s article, “Why Women Appreciate the Dad Bod,” suggests that women are often more drawn to men with a physique that reflects a balance between a bit of extra weight and some degree of fitness, rather than the chiseled look of fitness models. This cultural phenomenon left many women pondering the absence of a similar celebration for the “Mom Bod.”
Ironically, as I posted my picture, a comment from one of my followers read, “I wish there was a Mom Bod movement.” At the time, I was parked in a shopping lot, with our three children eagerly anticipating their swim while my wife, Sarah, was inside selecting a new swimsuit. We had a spirited discussion about her appearance, with me insisting she looked fantastic in her suit while she felt self-conscious about how motherhood had altered her figure.
When Sarah emerged from the changing room in a sleek black one-piece, she appeared both elegant and strong, our youngest child nestled on her hip. I marveled at the woman I’ve adored for the last decade, the one who has steadfastly supported our family. Yet, as she approached, I sensed a hint of insecurity in her demeanor, likely stemming from her new attire.
“You look incredible,” I reassured her, but her half-smile indicated uncertainty about my compliment.
In a moment of newfound confidence, I removed my shirt—a rarity for me at the pool in recent years. Although I had lost 25 pounds through calorie counting, I still carried some extra weight. I felt ready to embrace my Dad Bod, but when Sarah captured a candid photo of me playing with our child, I couldn’t help but delete it, feeling dissatisfied with my appearance.
Interestingly, in our exchange about body image, the roles reversed. While I had been trying to boost Sarah’s confidence, she now turned to me, declaring I looked attractive. It was a poignant reminder of how both of us grapple with our self-image, shaped by societal standards that often promote unrealistic ideals.
The concept of the Mom Bod is a reflection of media narratives. Neither Sarah nor I fully accept each other’s compliments, revealing the pervasive impact of these standards. However, the truth is that I find Sarah extraordinary in countless ways that extend beyond physical appearance.
If we could visualize the depths of her love and commitment to our family, her dedication as a full-time mother and part-time student, she would undoubtedly grace the covers of magazines for her remarkable qualities. Physical attributes may capture attention, but they hardly define the essence of our bond.
As we left the pool, I embraced Sarah and whispered, “You were the most stunning woman there.” To which she replied, “That’s just your opinion.”
And that’s all that mattered.
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Summary
The blog reflects on societal perceptions of body image, particularly the contrasting views of the “Dad Bod” and the absence of a parallel “Mom Bod.” The author highlights the insecurities that both partners experience, emphasizing that true beauty lies in their dedication and love for family, rather than conforming to external standards.
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