Men and Body Image

alaysian · 2012-05-24T02:27:13+00:00

I think the problem is in the currently popular concept that only women can be aesthetically pleasing, and men are purely utilitarian. Greek statues and Michelangelo's David show this was not always so. I would appreciate more media focusing on men that are like the actors on Spartacus, and celebrate strong fit men doing manly things.

nathan1942 · 2012-05-24T04:49:06+00:00

I am 5'8", 200ish pounds, and hate almost every aspect of my body. I feel that I look fat and disgusting if my shirts arent really loose. The idea of being topless anywhere is terrifying to me. According to society I am supposed to have a 6 pack, or at least flat stomach, but instead I have a beer gut. Men suffer from body image issues just as much as, if not more than, women. large or chubby women can still get guys but it seems like fat guys don't even have a chance. I hate the rest of my body, for reasons besides weight, but I can't change those things. The only part of my body I like are my eyes and thats only because people compliment me on them often. It sucks to not meet the 'ideal' standards no matter what gender you are.

justsomeguyudontknow · 2012-05-24T06:43:34+00:00

Big chest little arms, maybe a case of muscle dysmorphia. My weight has gone up and down my whole life. I've been through binge eating and exercise obsession. My height, I'm 5'6. People, including girls, would feel it appropriate to comment on me being vertically challenged so naturally I became insecure about it, but I'm supposed to pretend I'm not. Also, you would never hear me talk about the above issues IRL. Maybe a bit more lately, as I've opened up about some things to my sister, but still I mostly keep it in my head.

Also, it's funny how much men are supposed to not care about what they eat or drink, to the point where if you do care you may draw some scrutiny. People put a big emphasis on eating "like a man" which apparently involves total disregard for health. This is the flipside of men having this sort of leeway when it comes to being judged for their bodies; you can't act like you care too much.

truthjusticeca · 2012-05-24T03:00:03+00:00

I don't think I have body image problems but I've had a number of women tell me that I should put on some weight and become borderline obese.

I think women are more comfortable when their BFs are as fat as them.

rightsbot · 2012-05-24T01:02:18+00:00

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feratian · 2012-05-24T02:56:20+00:00

What "people" are you talking about? I've never had problems talking about my body but feel free to explain whatever recent experience you had that led to this post.

Title	Men and Body Image
Author	Leinadro
Upvotes	14
Comments	15
Date	May 24, 2012 1:01 AM UTC (14 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/MensRights
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/MensRights/comments/u1ysb/men_and_body_image/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/MensRights/men-and-body-image.1021209 https://theredarchive.com/post/1021209

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