Different Strokes for Different Folks: Why Overweight Men Do Not Seek Weight Loss Treatment

Abstract

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.

Should weight loss and maintenance programmes be designed differently for men? A systematic review of long-term randomised controlled trials presenting data for men and women: The ROMEO project

“…Furthermore, masculinity, as a culturally normative ideal of male behaviour, is constructed as the opposite of femininity [13] and weight loss programmes and facilities, could be seen as feminised spaces [14,15]. Similarly, men could distance themselves from the feminised realm of dieting, where women are the 'experts' and dieting is viewed as a feminine activity that is about looking slim and pretty, which is linked to vanity [13,16].…”

Virtual small groups for weight management: an innovative delivery mechanism for evidence-based lifestyle interventions among obese men

“…This is particularly notable given that the study targeted obese men who are among the most difficult populations to engage in weight management and treatment programs [18,19,25]. While not statistically significant, the downward slope of both the attendance/ weight loss and the self-monitoring/weight loss curves suggest a trend of weight loss with increased participation.…”

“…Further, men are a difficult population to engage in weight loss studies [18,19]. Due to the high prevalence of obesity among men and the relative lack of weight loss studies among men, it is important to focus on this understudied population.…”

Factors that influence overweight and obese men's participation in healthy eating, exercise, and weight management programs

“…Compared with women, men are more likely to be physically active and engage in sustained, vigorous, and strength-building exercises (Casperson, Pereira, & Curran, 10 2001). This is not unexpected given that sport and exercise are associated with traditionally masculine characteristics, such as competitiveness, power, strength, and physical dominance (Jeong-Dae, 2011).Despite the large numbers of men who could potentially benefit from participating in weight loss interventions, research indicates that men do not find weight management programs to be appealing (French & Jeffrey, 1994;Wolfe & Smith, 2002). Additionally, when compared with women, men are less likely to intentionally engage in independent weight loss behaviors (Lemon, Rosal, & Zapka, 2009) and they are five to seven times less likely to enroll in weight management programs (Jeffrey, Adlis, & Forster, 1991; Jeffrey, Bjorn-Benson, & Rosenthal, 1984).…”

“…For instance, studies show that men express a preference for consuming 'masculine foods' such as meat, alcohol, and large portions; contrarily, they have a lesser preference for 'feminine foods' such as salads, yogurt, and fruit (Bender, 1976;Sellaeg & Chapman, 2008;Sabinsky et al, 2007;Sobal, 2005). Furthermore, behaviors related to healthy eating, such as cooking and shopping are viewed by men as feminine (Caplan, Keane, Willetts, & Williams, 1998).In contrast to healthy eating, men generally hold positive attitudes about physical activity (Wolfe & Smith, 2002). Compared with women, men are more likely to be physically active and engage in sustained, vigorous, and strength-building exercises (Casperson, Pereira, & Curran, 10 2001).…”