Flyingservice:
I have to say yes, it's been years since I've put myself out there since I put on some weight. In my mind, until I have a good physique again it's only a matter of time before a potential partner goes out and finds just that. And nobody wants to line up to be hurt so badly ever again. I've been told you have a great dad bod, except I'm not a dad so I find it actually insulting. I often wonder if the dad bod craze is actually a form of control, knowing most likely the guy in the relationship will be looked at as less attractive and it's a form of security. It doesn't make sense, when I was younger I was very heavy before losing l25lbs, and I've seen the some people around that used to torment me talk about how it's desirable now? No shots taken at anyone, just my two cents
If your partner cannot love you when you don't look like Adonis, then that is a shallow person.
You should put yourself out there. Even if the person doesn't have a fat fetish, a lot of people either find bigger people attractive or don't mind the physique so long as they vibe with the person.
As for the dad bod thing, certain body types fall in and out of fashion over time. You see it most visibly with women, but it happens to a lesser extent with me. Right now, so-called dad bods are in as a result of the body positivity movement.
As you've experienced, thicker guys used to be considered unattractive by the main stream. Lots of people have always loved thicker guys, but the main stream wasn't a fan. Men got inspired by bigger women embracing their size, so they did the same.
Of course, as you pointed out, it's a trend. Body types fall in and out of fashion all the time. This isn't even the first time the main stream considered dad bods attractive.
Just focus on loving yourself. There will always be people who love people that look like you no matter what'a trending.