Ask UNF
Males concerned over body image
Richmond Wynn
Men have become increasingly concerned about their appearance, which is fueled in part by media images that reflect a narrow view of the masculine ideal. This portrayal of masculinity is characterized by the bulking up of the male body. Here's what Richmond Wynn, a licensed mental health counselor at UNF's Counseling Center, has to say about how body image concerns in men can lead to unhealthy dieting, over-exercising, eating disorders and even mood disorders.
Why have men become more concerned with their body image?Size prejudice contributes to men's increased concern about their bodies. Being lean and muscular is associated with happiness and being hard-working, successful, beautiful and strong, while being fat is associated with being lazy, ignorant, ugly and weak. Other contributing factors include childhood teasing for being too thin or too fat, peer pressure among boys to be strong, perfectionism and idealized male body images featured in the media.
How has the media influenced men's body image?The media sets unrealistic standards for what body weight and appearance is considered normal. Boys are given the impression that men naturally have muscles bulging all over their bodies. The media's portrayal of what is normal keeps getting more muscular for men. As a result, boys see a body ideal that for most men is impossible to achieve without illegal anabolic steroids.
Who is at risk for body image problems?All men are at risk for developing body image problems. However, athletes may feel increased pressure to lose weight or body fat, so they can make a specific weight, qualify for a particular race or look more attractive to judges and audiences. The message being sent is you need to have a certain body in order to perform well and to be considered a good athlete.
What can men do to improve their body image?- Realize that size isn't the best indicator of health or fitness. Your eating habits, exercise patterns and other lifestyle choices are more important.
- Stop comparing yourself to others. Everyone has a healthy weight based on body type, genetics, what weight you feel your best and what weight your body tends to want to maintain.
- Know that your body doesn't define who you are or your worth as a person.
- Change negative thoughts about yourself. Focus on what you love about yourself.
There are a number of resources on the First Coast for counseling services. If you have private insurance, check with your provider to see what is covered. Also, your employer may offer an Employee Assistance Program, which provides a certain number of free counseling sessions per year. Sliding-fee scale agencies are also available and determine costs based on your financial situation.
Every month, the column "Ask UNF" runs in Inside and The Florida Times-Union, promoting the expertise of UNF faculty and staff. Next month's topic will feature the prescription for talking to your physician. If you have a question about this topic, e-mail it to askunfcolumn@unf.edu.