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Healthy dads equals healthy children

It fairly obvious that for a baby to get the best start in life, it’s mother needs to be as fit and healthy as they can be. After all, she is growing a whole new person! But what about us Dads. Does our health directly affect our kids?

Well it turns out that it might. A recent study has found that the lifestyle choices of daddys during conception can have a major impact on the health of their children not just at the beginning but well into their lives. Offspring of a dad who exercised had improved glucose metabolism, decreased bodyweight and decreased fat mass. Even when fed a high fat diet, offspring from gym bunny fathers still maintained a healthy body making their bodies better able to cope even when their diet wasn’t tip top.

Now at this time I have to own up and say this study was done on mice. However there is a good chance that the research does good carry over to us humans. We know that men who are obese have lower testosterone levels, lower sperm counts and their sperm are less able to wriggle about and get where they want to get to. This all leads to a lower number of live births.

If you are planning on having a baby, it’s a good idea to get down the gym. Even if it’s just for a few months before you’re planning on getting pregnant, it’ll have really positive effect on the health of your sperm and the long term metabolic health of your kids.

Another brilliant effect that exercise can have on our lives and the lives of our families. It really is a no brainer!

As a dad to two young children I know how important it is to be fit so why not get in touch via my contact page if you need any help. In the meantime here’s a link to a quick workout you can do at home. A bit of strength, mobility and play to create a life-proof body.

Have fun!

 

References:

Kristin I. Stanford, Morten Rasmussen, Lisa A. Baer, Adam C. Lehnig, Leslie A. Rowland, Joseph D. White, Kawai So, Ana Luisa De Sousa-Coehlo, Michael F. Hirshman, Mary-Elizabeth Patti, Oliver J. Rando, Laurie J. Goodyear. Paternal Exercise Improves Glucose Metabolism in Adult OffspringDiabetes, 2018