Recent research carried out by the University of the West of England revealed that many men are unhappy with their physical appearance.
Using an online survey, the researchers from the University obtained responses from around 400 men. These men were questioned about their body and their feelings towards their outward appearance. The survey revealed that as many as 4 in 5 men are unhappy with their body, and almost 35% of men questioned would be willing to trade in a year of their life in order to achieve their ideal body shape and weight.
A more muscular look was top of the list of desires for men unsatisfied by their body, with chest, arms and abdominals being the areas of greatest interest. Many of those surveyed admitted to following high protein diets and taking supplements in order to achieve a more sculpted shape.
The research also revealed that men were more willing to discuss their body hang-ups with their peers than previously thought.
Concerns over physical appearance have traditionally been associated with women, however this study clearly shows that men also worry a great deal about how they look. It is ever more apparent that measures used in modern advertising campaigns are also strongly targeting men, and putting them under pressure to conform to unattainable ideals. The damaging effects of advertising trends are significant – for example, 2011 saw an unprecedented number of men being referred for specialist treatment for anorexia. Prima-med France understands the modern pressures to look good and the measures people go to in order to achieve the unattainable. We know it is all too easy to trivialise negative body issues, especially in men, however this is a growing problem that will not go away. The issue needs to be tackled both at the causative and rehabilitation ends of the spectrum. By using a comprehensive program to support men society can better counter the effects of an obsession with appearance.