Being overweight and obese have long been public health concerns in America, with nearly half the population afflicted. New research from York University found that men are more at risk of developing weight issues due to inflammatory processes in their endothelial cells. These affect the storage of fats in the body, thereby increasing the chances of chronic conditions like obesity in men.
This is certainly concerning when you compare it to the 14.6% for women, and the fact that 29% of men are more likely to die prematurely from obesity and related conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. A recent PLOS Genetics study even reported that obese men are particularly at risk of developing pulmonary and kidney diseases, with 17% suffering from kidney cancer due to excess weight. These statistics beg the question what men can do to improve their chances of overcoming excess weight and its consequences.
To curb epidemic obesity, weight loss programs tailored to specific preferences and lifestyles have been on the rise.
History of weight issues
While being overweight is nothing new, a study from the International Journal of Clinical Practice indicates that urbanization, increasingly sedentary jobs, and accessibility to processed foods have contributed to a notable uptick in obesity. Case in point, the WHO states that since the 1970s, the global prevalence of obesity has tripled. In recent decades, social issues like food insecurity and lack of education have only exasperated this issue.
The fast-paced lifestyles of Americans, especially men, have led to a boom in unhealthy and frequent snacking, stress, and overeating. Additionally, a general carefree attitude toward health puts men at a disadvantage when addressing their weight. A recent survey found that 33% of men do not feel the need for yearly health screenings, leading to unaddressed minor health issues that escalate into more serious conditions. Consistently, with all these factors considered, men have higher rates of obesity. To date, obesity plagues 1 in 3 male Americans.
How weight is being managed today
To curb epidemic obesity, weight loss programs tailored to specific preferences and lifestyles have been on the rise. For instance, The Fit Father Project is a curated program for men over 40. It specifically targets fathers seeking to improve their health through a comprehensive program that not only helps them lose weight but also helps them maintain their progress as well. It provides a robust community from which men can receive peer support, which is beneficial to changing attitudes towards weight loss and weight in general. Group settings such as this provide valuable opportunities for education, especially on the complexity of overweight and obesity as afflictions.
Furthermore, increasing access to resources and healthcare professionals means that more men understand that these conditions can be impacted not just by genetics but also by environmental, psychological, and socioeconomic factors. As such, an increasing number are turning to medical weight loss, including GLP-1 weight loss programs that make use of FDA-approved medication like semaglutide to manage weight loss. Program-based interventions combine lifestyle changes with prescription medication to target biological issues and build healthier habits, including access to virtual workshops and communities with other men on similar weight loss journeys.
More support is also available in the public health education sphere. Personalities like Dr. Ron are more visible than ever, providing clean eating and exercise tips as well as general health advice to a wider audience through television shows and books. With more advice and resources available to men, we may see a cultural shift around men’s attitudes to weight loss and healthy living.
Such measures are gaining traction at the right time. According to the World Obesity Federation, the global economic impact of obesity will cost $4.32 trillion by 2035, as four billion people are predicted to be obese by then. With much at stake, the urgency to address this obesity epidemic is greater than ever. But as the landscape changes and more interventions continue to develop, there is every chance that men can beat the odds.
