Men Experience Body Image Pressure Too
When we talk about body image, the conversation can often focus on women, but men can experience very real pressures and insecurities about their bodies too.
There can be expectations around being muscular, lean, tall, strong or looking a certain way as we age. Hair loss, weight, body fat and constant comparison with images online can all affect how a man feels about himself.
And sometimes these pressures go much deeper than simply “not liking how I look.”
Body image concerns can begin to influence eating, exercise, relationships, social situations and self-confidence. Someone may exercise excessively, restrict what they eat, avoid situations where their body might be seen or begin to feel that their appearance somehow determines their masculinity or attractiveness.
I think it is particularly important that we create space for men to talk about this without embarrassment or feeling that they should simply get on with it.
You don't have to dismiss an insecurity because you're a man.
If thoughts about your appearance are beginning to affect how you eat, exercise, socialise or feel about yourself, they are worth paying attention to.
You are so much more than a number on a scale, the size of your muscles, your hairline, your height or what you see when you look in the mirror.
Your body does not determine your worth.
If this resource feels familiar, you don't have to have all the answers today. Perhaps just begin by noticing how you speak to yourself about your body — and whether you would speak to somebody you care about in the same way.
Maggie
Space to Breathe Therapy
