Men appear to gain weight during the transition to parenthood, and fathers are heavier than non-fathers. Paternal perinatal weight gain may set weight trajectories in midlife and have long-term health implications. Since men do not undergo the physical demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding, the specific mechanisms underlying weight gain in new fathers warrant investigation. This review aims to stimulate research on paternal perinatal weight gain by suggesting testable potential mechanisms that (1) show change across the transition to parenthood and (2) play a role in weight and body composition. We identify seven mechanisms, within three categories: behavioural mechanisms (sleep, physical activity, and diet), hormonal mechanisms (testosterone and cortisol), and psychological mechanisms (depression and stress). We also discuss direct effects of partner pregnancy influences (e.g., ‘couvade syndrome’) on men’s body weight. In presenting each mechanism, we discuss how it may be affected by the transition to parenthood, and then review its role in body composition and weight. Next, we describe bidirectional and interactive effects, discuss timing, and present three broad research questions to propel theoretical development.

中文翻译：

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父亲的权重：确定解释父亲围产期体重增加的机制

男性在过渡为父母的过程中似乎体重增加，父亲比非父亲重。父亲围产期体重增加可能会影响中年人的体重轨迹，并对健康产生长期影响。由于男人没有怀孕和母乳喂养的身体需求，因此新父亲中体重增加的具体机制值得研究。这篇综述旨在通过提出可测试的潜在机制来激发有关父亲围产期体重增加的研究，这些可能的机制是：（1）在过渡为父母的过程中显示出变化；（2）在体重和身体组成中起作用。我们在三种类别中确定了七个机制：行为机制（睡眠，体育锻炼和饮食），激素机制（睾丸激素和皮质醇）和心理机制（抑郁和压力）。我们还将讨论伴侣怀孕对男性体重的直接影响（例如，“ couvade综合征”）。在介绍每种机制时，我们讨论了如何转变为父母身份会对其产生怎样的影响，然后回顾其在身体组成和体重中的作用。接下来，我们描述双向和交互作用，讨论时间安排，并提出三个广泛的研究问题以推动理论发展。