Beer Gut No Longer Seen As Macho

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Main Category: Men's health
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness;  Psychology / Psychiatry;  Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 16 Mar 2006 - 15:00 PDT

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Gone are the days when men paraded their beer bellies with pride, says a recent study carried out by Norwich Union Healthcare. It seems that men are currently as concerned as women about their body image. Over one third of men detest their fat paunches.

Norwich Union Healthcare carried out a telephone poll of 500 men - the poll was called Mr Vain.

Apparently, British men today feel pressured into emulating their sports heroes. One quarter of all the men surveyed said they had issues with their entire bodies.

Pressure is not just coming from within. One quarter of men are urged by their partners to stay in shape. Men's magazines show pictures of good-looking and well-shaped lads - this seems to be having an effect on what the modern British man wants to look like.

The body of David Beckham is seen by a huge number of men as an example to follow. Followed closely by Brad Pitt and Gavin Henson (Welsh rugby player).

Many lie to their partners about how often and how long they exercise. 20% of men lie about how much they weigh.

So Why Are Men Getting Fatter?

It is a paradox.

If having a beer belly is not longer seen as a macho thing by men, like it used to be, why are men getting fatter and fatter all the time. The increase in weight of British men is becoming a national problem.

Humankind has a funny way of becoming what it does not want to be.

In the past men weighed less and saw a beer belly as manly.

Today, a man with a beer belly is seen as a slob and a potential diabetes II, heart attack and stroke candidate - so why are more and more men becoming obese and overweight.

One thing is certain. More men have fat bellies today than they used to - and the trend is leaning towards more fat bellies.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist
Editor: Medical News Today
Copyright: Medical News Today
Not to be reproduced without permission of Medical News Today