Despite health risks associated with male-pattern obesity, few men utilize weight management programs. Strikingly missing from the literature are studies that ask, "Why?" Seventy-two overweight males were surveyed regarding what might motivate them to seek treatment, and which treatment characteristics might appeal to them. Respondents indicated that health problems and the desire to improve appearance are primary motivators. In contrast to the programs most widely available, respondents preferred individualized, athletics-based programs that allow autonomy in food selection. It was concluded that both a modified program and marketing approach are needed if the clinical community is to help overweight men.

The impact of bariatric surgery appears sufficiently potent to negate whatever preoperative differences might otherwise affect weight management. It may be time for the field to cease its search for surgical outcome predictors and focus instead on improving postoperative support.

Treatment response is considered in light of the unique characteristics of this ethnically diverse, older community sample when compared with the young students in earlier body image intervention studies. The high rate of physical activity among even the nonobligatory exercisers is highlighted for its mood-regulation properties and its treatment implications.

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V, cross-sectional descriptive study.