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Writing this month in Medical Hypotheses, the researchers argue that the hormone prolactin may be to blame.
Prolactin stimulates milk production and fatherly love. Blood levels of the hormone rise after sex, especially following orgasm during intercourse. Increased prolactin has in turn been linked to weight gain in several species, including humans who suffer from hyperprolactinaemia (chronically high prolactin levels). And expectant dads are also thought to get chubbier due to a rise in prolactin.
Putting these observations together, Ritesh Menezes from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India, and colleagues suggest "that increased sexual activity may possibly be a causative factor in gaining body weight".
Prolactin stimulates milk production and fatherly love. Blood levels of the hormone rise after sex, especially following orgasm during intercourse. Increased prolactin has in turn been linked to weight gain in several species, including humans who suffer from hyperprolactinaemia (chronically high prolactin levels). And expectant dads are also thought to get chubbier due to a rise in prolactin.
Putting these observations together, Ritesh Menezes from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Kasturba Medical College in Mangalore, India, and colleagues suggest "that increased sexual activity may possibly be a causative factor in gaining body weight".
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