Weight Loss and Body Image

This is a funny cartoon I had saved some time ago. I'm sorry that I don't remember the source otherwise I would post that info.

I think it is safe to say that body image and corresponding weight loss efforts are very different between men and women. I’m sure there are people who are exceptions to this generalization, but for the most part I think men have a different view of their body image compared to women and their lack of interest in weight loss corresponds to this.

So, what is perpetuating the differences between body images of men and women? Media? Society? Culture? A difference in our psychology? Whatever it may be, there is strong evidence all around us that there are different standards for “acceptable” body weight between men and women.

And then there is the whole issue of weight loss and body image. How many weight loss advertisements have you seen that only have a woman in it? Almost all of them, right? And it makes sense because there is a much larger percentage of women trying to lose weight.

Body image aside, there are a lot of good reasons to lose weight other than just looking better. Pay attention here guys. If you are overweight, losing weight can help to reduce your risk of developing dangerous health problems such as diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease. So even though the male ego may not warrant weight loss, living a long, healthy life should.