Happy Upcoming Father’s Day to Every Dad Who Also “Ate for Two”

This Sunday, we’re raising a slice of pizza to all the dads out there who gained a little extra love — right around the midsection — while their partner was pregnant. You know who you are.

Let’s be honest. When someone’s pregnant in the house, the snacks multiply, the portion sizes grow, and somehow — somehow — dad ends up needing new pants. Sound familiar? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not imagining it.

According to a study by OnePoll.com, the average father gains 14 pounds during his partner’s pregnancy. Fourteen. That’s not a rounding error — that’s a whole Thanksgiving dinner worth of sympathy weight. And it doesn’t stop there.

A survey of 5,000 men found the average expectant dad gained about 14 pounds and added two inches to his waist during his partner’s pregnancy. Two inches. That’s not bloating — that’s a lifestyle.

So what’s actually going on here? Is it laziness? Lack of willpower? Or is there something a little more…biological happening?

It’s Got a Name, and It’s Very Real

Turns out, there’s actual science behind this phenomenon. Couvade Syndrome, often referred to as sympathetic pregnancy, is a fascinating phenomenon where men experience symptoms similar to pregnancy while their partner is expecting. In the United States, the phenomenon affects 25 to 52 percent of fathers, especially among those who are expecting their first child. So if you thought you were just weak around a bag of chips, think again — you might have been biologically compelled.

Some experts believe it’s tied to empathy — the expecting father may become so emotionally connected to the pregnancy experience that his body mimics the symptoms. Another theory is that hormonal changes in men — such as an increase in prolactin or a decrease in testosterone — could play a role. See? Science. Totally science.

But Let’s Talk About the Snacks

Look, hormones aside, the OnePoll data gets pretty specific about what’s really driving the dad weight gain — and it’s a little less romantic.

20% of dads-to-be said they gained weight because their partner fed them larger meals. And honestly, who’s turning that down? Almost half of the new dads — 41 percent — said it was because there was simply more food available in the house. More snacks in the house. That’s it. That’s the whole confession.

And what were those snacks? According to the survey, the top “male pregnancy” cravings were pizza, chocolate and chips. Which, to be fair, are also excellent non-pregnancy snacks. No judgment.

The Moment of Realization

Here’s the best part. A full one-fifth of expectant fathers only realized they had put on weight when their clothes stopped fitting. Not from a scale. Not from a doctor. From a pair of pants that had simply had enough.

And if their wardrobe wasn’t giving them the hint, their friends certainly were. 19% of dads-to-be said their friends made it very clear they were fattening up — by joking about who really had the “bun in the oven.” Classic.

So what does a self-aware dad-to-be do when the old clothes stop cooperating? Apparently, go shopping. 25% of dads-to-be actually went out and bought a paternity wardrobe to accommodate their growing bodies. That’s commitment — to comfort, if nothing else.

The Takeaway This Father’s Day

Here’s the thing: gaining a little weight while your partner grows an entire human being is, arguably, one of the more wholesome things a guy can do. Men who are more involved with a partner’s pregnancy and in childbirth preparations may be more likely to experience pregnancy symptoms — which basically means the more you care, the more you snack. And that’s kind of sweet.

So this Father’s Day, whether you’re a seasoned dad who remembers those wild nine months of pizza-fueled solidarity, or a brand-new dad still adjusting to your paternity wardrobe — this one’s for you.

Happy Father’s Day. You’ve earned every single pound.