Men worry about it too

Since my last post on the words ‘losing weight’, I’ve had a couple of discussions with colleagues about body image. We’ve talked about how normal it is to dislike (can I say hate? Sounds so strong) our bodies, and how easy it is to equate what we look like with how we feel.

In fact, such is the pervasiveness of body image dissatisfaction in women across the ages that some researchers have called it a “normative” phenomenon. In one study, that included 1,502 American women aged 50 to 64 years, researchers found that more than 70% in this age bracket were currently trying to lose weight* and more than 60% reported that their body weight and shape had an impact on their life. In another study, researchers found that in a sample of 1,053 women in Switzerland aged 30 to 74 years, 71% wanted to be thinner even though 73% were of a normal weight. Nearly 60% of these women had also dieted at least once to change their body size, even though many were of a normal weight.

And while we know that body image dissatisfaction is something women often struggle with, new research is starting give us a better idea of how body image dissatisfaction can be a problem for men too.  Evidence shows that men are dieting more now than they did 20 years ago (one American longitudinal study on midlife men found that 71% of  men wanted to lose weight compared to only 37% 20 years earlier) and have become more dissatisfied with their body shape. Men now face greater pressure to look like the media’s ideal man, and there is greater emphasis on appearance than ever before. Research shows us that body image concerns can affect men young and old, and across the weight range.

Men’s body image is a bit different to women’s in that it typically not only encompasses what they look like, but is also closely related to how their body performs in relation to athletic, physical and/or sexual activities. Men with body image concerns can often also be addicted to exercise, fad dieting or over-doing nutritional supplements.

The challenge for us as a society is making it ok for men to ask for help. Men are often worried that their body image concerns will be treated as a ‘woman’s problem’ and that they will be judged for having concerns about the appearance of their body. It’s important that you know that you are not alone in how you feel, and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

As a first step, here are some tips for men if they concerned about their body image (these could equally apply to women!):

• Find ways to value what your body can do, rather than what it looks like. For example, sign up for an achievable sports event (emphasis on the achievable) that will allow you to show yourself what your awesome body is capable of doing.
• Find reasons to exercise that are not focused on body shape.  For example, exercise can improve sleep and mood, decreases stress and depression, and help manage blood sugar levels.
• Avoid fad diets and unnecessary supplements to change your body shape. Go  for a wholesome diet that provides you with good balance of carbohydrates, protein and fats and consider seeing a nutritionist if you’re after more guidance.
• View media on men’s health, particularly in relation to weight and body shape, with a critical eye and be aware of how you find yourself responding. Read up on what can influence men’s body image concerns and gain a greater understanding of how these influences can have an impact on you.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re not sure if your local health professional will be supportive, approach your national eating disorders foundation. They will be able to put you in touch with people who understand and will be able to support you.

Feeling unhappy about your body can have a big impact on your life, your self worth and self esteem. But know that, as clichéd as it sounds, it is possible to like your body, and that you are awesome – right now, no changes necessary.

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We’re looking at running body confidence courses in the near future (for men and women), and while we’re still working out the details, if you’re interested feel free to register here . We’ll get in touch when we have more information. And if you have any questions on body image, feel free to send me an email on: sarah.mcguinness@redtussock.co.nz.

*I realise I said in an earlier post that we don’t like to use the words ‘losing weight’, but I’ve used them here because that’s what the researchers measured in their study.