Men struggle to lose weight because they perceive diets as a feminine concept linked to restriction and failure, according to researchers from Anglia Ruskin University.
The study, published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal PLOS One, involved detailed interviews with 24 men aged 30 and older to examine their lived experiences of weight loss programmes.
Researchers discovered that participants viewed dieting as a negative word associated with sacrifice, deprivation, and significant willpower. The study noted that men are far less inclined to engage with dieting culture, with one participant explaining that when men go down to the pub, they do not necessarily talk about weight or appearance.
Experts from Anglia Ruskin University, a public university based in England, wrote in the journal that diets and dieting are typically perceived in a negative way by men, who associate them with expected effort and eventual failure. The authors added that men viewed dieting as a feminised space, considering most initiatives to be generalised and restrictive.
According to figures from the NHS, the publicly funded healthcare system in the United Kingdom, around 70 per cent of men in the UK are classed as overweight or obese, compared with 62 per cent of women.
Participants in the study expressed a rebellious mindset when facing dietary limits. One man said that as soon as you mention the word diet everybody automatically thinks restriction, restriction, restriction. Another added that whenever he looks at doing any kind of restrictions or dieting, a part of him rebels against it.
Factors Hindering Male Weight Loss
The researchers identified several core reasons why men struggle to manage their weight, including a widespread belief that diets are short-term crash programmes that are difficult to sustain over time.
Many men associated dieting with denying themselves foods or a lifestyle they enjoy, which often leads to a rebellious approach to weight loss initiatives. The study highlighted five main barriers facing men:
- Diets are seen as feminine
- Dieting is associated with restriction, sacrifice, and significant willpower
- A fundamental belief that they will fail
- A lack of knowledge regarding calories and nutrition
- Lifestyle barriers, such as working long shifts
Role of Partner Support and Motivations
Men reported being most successful in weight loss programmes when their dietary changes had been orchestrated or supported by their partners. One participant said his wife helps him a lot because she kicks him in the arse when he starts to go for the doughnuts again, while another said his partner buys him apples rather than chocolate, describing her support as half the battle.
The main motivations driving men to lose weight were body image and aesthetic goals, with many participants alluding to feeling ashamed or hating photos of themselves. Others cited serious health concerns, such as a fear of suffering a heart attack.
Recommendations for Weight Loss Programmes
To encourage men to take part in weight management initiatives, the researchers suggested avoiding the word diet altogether and framing programmes around competition and clear goals.
In their published findings, the team wrote that overall, the men perceived diets and dieting in a negative light, acknowledging the female-centric nature of dieting. The authors recommended that sustainable weight-loss practices for adult men should feature opportunistic simplicity, quick wins, early rewards, and a tailored degree of social competitiveness focused on aesthetic gains.
The researchers also suggested that weight-loss initiatives aimed directly at couples could be particularly effective, adding that having a buddy or mentor was also beneficial for participants.
Previous Research on Ageing and Weight Gain
The findings build on a previous study carried out by Anglia Ruskin University, which examined weight perception among middle-aged men over the age of 35. That investigation found that many men view weight gain as an inevitable consequence of getting older.
Participants in the earlier survey blamed family and career responsibilities for piling on the pounds. This mindset produced feelings of despondency and low self-worth, though men ultimately felt a sense of resignation regarding their physical changes.
While comfort eating was identified as a primary cause of weight gain, interviews revealed very little awareness of other key nutritional factors, such as food types and portion sizes.
Lead author Dr Mark Cortnage noted that there is a tendency to forget how much lifestyle, in particular family and employment, impacts on weight gain over time. He explained that because weight gain takes place over years and decades, short-term dietary options fail to influence deeper behavioural and lifestyle issues.
