Clemson student’s ‘Dad bod’ story goes viral

For college guys who couldn’t keep those New Year’s workout resolutions for six-pack abs, no worries.

Girls like Clemson University student Mackenzie Pearson say you’re good just the way you are – and even with an extra pound or two.

Pearson’s artcle for Clemson’s theodysseyonline.com magazine, “Why Girls Love The Dad Bod,” has taken off in national and social media.

The “Dad Bod,” the junior psychology major writes, says, “I go to the gym occasionally, but I also drink heavily on the weekends and enjoy eating eight slices of pizza at a time.”

“There is something about the dad bod that makes boys seem more human, natural, and attractive.”

Pearson is surprised by all the attention her story has received.

“It came out at the end of March but didn’t go viral until a month later,” Pearson said Friday. “It actually went viral on the last day of finals, so I had to turn my phone off to study because of all the notifications I was getting. It was crazy.”

The humorous article has sparked serious discussion on topics ranging from health to sexism and even self-esteem.

“I use humor in my everyday life and for people to take it so seriously was crazy,” Pearson said. “It was written light-hearted and it’s helped people discuss a healthy body image for guys.”

Among reasons Pearson gives to help guys rest easy on their “Dad Bods”: better cuddling, better food and better for making their girlfriends look good.

At the heart of it all, though, Pearson made the point clear that no matter what you look like, someone out there finds you attractive.

This story was originally published May 8, 2015 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Clemson student’s ‘Dad bod’ story goes viral."