ALMOST three in 10 Scottish men have felt anxious because of their body image, with some even feeling suicidal, according to new research.
A study found that 28% said they had experienced anxiety due to body image while more than a third of those questioned (34%) said it had impacted negatively on their self-esteem within the last year.
Almost a quarter (23%) told the survey published by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) Scotland they had avoided taking part in social activities that would require them to show their body, such as sports or going on a beach holiday. One in 10 men (12%) said they have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings because of body image issues while 4% said they had deliberately hurt themselves.
MHF Scotland said reality TV and advertising are fuelling men’s insecurities about body image and called on the Scottish Government and relevant industries to take action, including through the regulation of social media.
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Julie Cameron, head of programmes at the MHF Scotland, said: “Body image is often seen as an issue that affects women but it is clear from our data that it is affecting large numbers of men as well.
“Men are also increasingly being surrounded by images of idealised body types, either through advertising or reality TV shows. The consequences of body image issues can be serious. It is shocking that over one in ten of the men who responded to our Scottish survey said they had experienced suicidal thoughts as a result of body image issues.”
She added: “There is evidence to suggest that body image issues in men are becoming more pronounced. Men also can find it more difficult to talk about their mental health and to seek help. But none of this is inevitable. There is much we can do as a society to reduce pressures on men and improve mental health.”
The figures came from a survey of 1012 Scottish adults, including 465 men, carried out by YouGov in March this year. They were released as part of men’s health awareness month, Movember.
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