The diet and exercise habits of pregnant women and women trying to conceive are topics that are often covered in great detail (and rightfully so), as the expectant mothers lifestyle choices are known to directly impact the health of her baby. However, the health and fitness of expectant fathers doesn't seem to get paid any real attention, despite the fact that there is growing evidence to suggest that the lifestyle practises of the father prior to conception may have a major impact on the lifelong health of their children.
In a new study led by Kristin Stanford, paternal exercise was shown to have a significant impact on the *metabolic health of offspring well into adulthood. Recent studies have also linked development of type 2 diabetes and impaired metabolic health to the parents' poor diet, there is also increasing evidence that fathers play an important role in obesity and metabolic programming of their children.
These studies would lead us to believe that when fathers lead a healthy lifestyle, their children are healthier, even as adults. If that doesn't motivate you and give you a reason to lead a healthier lifestyle, then maybe you should rethink parenthood and opt for a hamster instead.
*Metabolic health is defined as having ideal levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, without using medications. These factors directly relate to a person's risk for heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
To read more up the studies carried out click here.
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