Why Men Struggle with Body Image
When we talk about body image, most people think of it as a women’s issue. But men struggle too. Whether it is weight, height, muscle mass, hair loss or ageing, many men silently compare themselves to unrealistic ideals and come up short. From fitness influencers to celebrity physiques, the pressure to look a certain way is everywhere.
Unlike women, men are often discouraged from speaking about insecurity. Admitting you feel self-conscious is still seen by many as weak or vain. This silence leaves many men battling low self-esteem in isolation.
Common Body Image Concerns in Men
Body image issues affect men of all shapes and sizes. Some of the most common concerns include:
- Feeling too thin or not muscular enough
- Gaining weight or struggling with fat distribution
- Hair loss and balding
- Height insecurities
- Skin conditions like acne or scarring
- Comparisons to younger or fitter versions of themselves
Many of these insecurities are made worse by social media, advertising and porn. Idealised bodies are everywhere, but the real bodies of men in everyday life are barely shown. This makes it easy to feel like you are the only one who does not measure up.
The Impact on Mental Health
When men feel unhappy with their bodies, it can have serious effects on mental health. Low self-esteem can lead to:
- Anxiety and depression
- Disordered eating or overtraining
- Obsession with fitness or appearance
- Avoidance of social situations or intimacy
- Shame and emotional withdrawal
Left unaddressed, body image struggles can create a constant undercurrent of self-doubt and isolation. But this does not have to be the case.
How to Build a Healthier Relationship with Your Body
Improving body image is not about achieving the perfect look. It is about changing the way you see yourself and shifting the standards you hold yourself to.
- Focus on what your body can do, not just how it looks
- Curate your social media to include realistic and diverse male bodies
- Challenge internal negative self-talk
- Talk to other men about these struggles
- Develop a self-care routine that is about health, not punishment
How Therapy Can Help with Body Image and Self-Esteem
Therapy can support men in developing a healthier self-image and tackling the root causes of low self-esteem. It can help by:
- Identifying where body dissatisfaction comes from
- Challenging unrealistic standards and comparisons
- Supporting emotional regulation and self-acceptance
- Rebuilding confidence and self-worth beyond appearance
Men’s Therapy Hub connects men with therapists who understand the unique ways body image affects male identity. No one should suffer in silence. Change begins when we start the conversation.
