The study, led by Dr. Craig Garfield of Northwestern University, suggests that new fathers gain between 3 and 5 pounds (with the increase often proportional to height) as they settle into the paternal role.

The cause is pure speculation at this point. Could it be the bodys way of subconsciously empathizing with the physical stress on the mother? Do new dads experience a shift in priorities that makes the gym seem frivolous? Or do guys see fatherhood as an excuse to subsist entirely on Lucky Charms?

As is often the case, more research is needed. The most logical hypothesis, by far, attributes this trend of weight gain to a combination of stress, sleep deprivation, and lack of time for exercise. So to all the young dads out there loosening their belts a bit: Cut yourself some slack.

It started as a metaphor [coined by a female undergrad](/guide/article/what-is-the-dadbod-or-dad-bod), who likened the physiques of her beer-slugging peers to the endearing doughiness more common of men around 40. But it turns out her comparison was spot-on: [*The New York Times*](http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/07/21/health/ap-us-med-fatherhood-weight-gain.html?referrer=&_r=0) recently reported new scientific findings in support of the once-fabled Dad Bod. 

Learn more about the campaign behind the PSA.

"Acres of pizza kissed by the sun, stretching as far as the eye can see."

Behold, Nick Offerman in true [Ron Swanson form](/guide/article/nick-offermans-6-easy-steps-to-growing-the-ron-swanson-mustache), boasting of his pizza farm: *"Acres of pizza kissed by the sun, stretching as far as the eye can see."* Then, shortly after digging up a delicious Sloppy Joe from the soil, the Funny or Die PSA hits home: Let's serve our kids the school lunches they need to grow and develop healthily. Watch it belowit certainly got our attention.

Nick Offerman's Pizza Farm PSA Packs a Powerful Message

*What happens when you let your kid style his or her father? Give it a try, then show us on Instagram by using the following three hashtags: #MyDadMyStyleIcon and #BirchboxGrooming.

Still need a gift for Dad? Get him a Birchbox Grooming subscription, and you can instantly email or print an announcement to tell him what's in store.

Behold our heartfelt toast to the original style icon.

We invited five brave fathers to HQ for the express purpose of being groomed by their young sonsand the results, we assure you, are priceless.  

#MyDadMyStyleIcon: Watch Five Adorable Sons Style and Groom Their Dads

Atlanta barber Russell Fredrick has three kids of his own, which means he knows a thing or two about what works in the discipline department. So when his son Rushawn came home with unacceptable grades, the clever dad didnt send him to his room or even take away his phone (todays punitive measure of choice). He turned to his own talents, styling the young boys hair into that of a balding, elderly man.

If it sounds needlessly cruel, know this: Rushawns grades immediately soared. And while were not surprised that the prospect of social humiliation will get kids to behave, we admire Fredricks harmless, itll grow back approach.

The Benjamin Button Special is now on the menu at the A-1 Kutz barbershop, and has already attracted at least one customer. Unsurprisingly, the photos are internet gold.

These days, ill-behaved children are being sent to the barber instead of their rooms.

In an age when the once-dreaded phrase go to your room just gives kids an excuse to play on the internet all day, parents are turning to much more [creative forms](http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/people-who-are-really-nailing-this-parenting-thing#.oujPY7qd2) of disciplinary actionbut a trip to the barbershop? That's definitely a first.

Parents Are Disciplining Their Kids with Old Man Haircuts and It Is Priceless

The Dad Bod Is Real, Says Science

Nick Offerman's Pizza Farm PSA Packs a Powerful Message

#MyDadMyStyleIcon: Watch Five Adorable Sons Style and Groom Their Dads

Parents Are Disciplining Their Kids with Old Man Haircuts and It Is Priceless