VerWell Mind: Where Do Men Fit Into the Body Positivity Movement?

While the body positivity movement tends to center on women, men can also struggle with body image. However, for men, it’s something that’s more likely to go under the radar, whether that be because men are more reluctant to reach out or because they’re less likely to get an accurate diagnosis.

Matt Boyles, a personal trainer and founder of Fitter Confident You, says that the male body positivity movement "lags behind" because male body image issues haven't been considered a problem.

How Many Men Are Affected?

Body image issues in men are something that can start early. Studies have shown that around 25% of male children and adolescents were worried about their bodies, wanting more toned and defined muscles1 while 30% of high school-aged males expressed a desire to gain weight to appear more muscular.

In the UK, a 2021 study by the Campaign Against Living Miserably found that almost half (48%) of men had struggled with body image while 58% said that the pandemic had negatively affected how they felt about their bodies.

21% of men said they wouldn’t feel able to reach out about how they feel, while just 26% said they were happy with their appearance.

Victoria Mountford, PhD, clinical psychologist, says, “Less is known about eating disorders in men and young boys in general due to lack of research and stigma about having a disorder that is perceived to be 'female.'

Male Body Image and the Media

Even if it’s not outright body shaming, the promotion of some body types and features over others can have a negative effect on all of us.

“For young men, there can be pressure to appear muscular or lean,” says Mountford.

“These pressures start young with male action figures or toys and cartoon characters with exaggerated six-packs and muscles…Such a physique is also idealized in films and video games.”

One condition that primarily affects men is muscle dysmorphia, sometimes colloquially called "bigorexia." It’s a type of body dysmorphia but is often bracketed together with eating disorders due to their similarities.

Somebody with the condition may believe that their body is too small or skinny, or not muscular enough, even though they’ll often have a muscular build already. It’s linked to lower self-esteem, as well as past trauma or bullying.

A 2019 study suggested that dating apps like Tinder have "commodified" relationships, while we can look at issues like heightism in dating—height is usually displayed prominently on an individual’s dating profile—as something that predominantly affects men and can damage their self-esteem, self-confidence, and perception of body image. Social media also plays a part and Mountford explains that it promotes content related to fitness that portrays a certain physique as the goal.

Addressing the Issues

Many of us will struggle with body image at one point or another—it’s not something that will go away entirely. However, there are things we can do, and it starts at an early age.

First and foremost, we should remember that boys and men can experience body image issues too. Parents and caregivers shouldn’t assume that, just because their child is a boy, they won’t have any worries or concerns, and should educate them on the changes they’ll experience as they grow up.

“Encourage your child to take time away from social media and emphasize positive qualities that are not related to appearance,” says Mountford.

“Find a sport or activity that your child enjoys—focusing on what your body can do, rather than what it looks like, fosters good body image.”

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Reflection:

What do you suggest we can do to spread more awareness on Male body image issues and to help cope with them?

#BodyPositivity #Men #BodyImage #Self-Esteem