New study indicates fatherhood ultimately leads to weight gain

The arrival of a new baby often leads to much discussion around weight loss and weight gain - a topic which is generally specific to Mum and Baby.

However, recent research emerging from the States suggests new fathers should now be included in the discussion.

Following a study which indicated fatherhood causes weight gain in most men, the study's lead author, Dr. Craig Garfield, offered a number of reasons for this.

Commenting on the findings, the doctor based in Northwestern University said: "For men who become fathers, their whole life changes. They may sleep less, exercise less, and experience more stress - all of which can lead to weight gain."

Findings indicate that men tend to gain between three and five lbs following the birth of a child while living arrangements play a further role in a man's size.

According to the study, a six-foot-tall man who lives with his child will gain an average of about four-and-a-half pounds while the same-sized man who does not live with his child can expect to gain nearly three-and-a-half pounds.

Having taken age, marriage and various other factors into account, researchers ascertained that a six-foot man, who does not have any children, will lose one-and-a-half lbs in the same period.

With nearly three-quarters of men in the States categorised as overweight or obese, it has been suggested that the results of this research should initiate further study.

The findings have been published in the American Journal of Men's Health.