When people talk of “weight loss” invariably most tend to think of women’s health or women’s issues.
After all, consumer spend roughly 61 billion (that’s right – BILLION) on weight loss products. And the VAST majority are marketed to women rather then men.
However, men also think about their waist line – though the reasons and rationale are often quite different than that of women.
How so?
Weight loss issues for men
It’s difficult to talk, or write, about weight loss issues without running into the typical stereotypes.
Do women tend to “obsess” more about their weight then men?
That probably depends on what you mean by “obsess.” Clearly the majority of weight loss products, plans and options are marketed to women more than men for a reason.
But the fact of the matter is that men can be just as vain as women when it comes to looking good.
The difference?
Men tend to need a REASON to motivate them to take action, whereas women might be more “body conscious” than men on a day to day basis.
And one reason that stands out above all others is the need to look good for their wedding day.
Yes, the trend is clear — grooms are feeling the pressure to slim down and tone up before their “big day” — after all, they have to stand in for photos next to their bride who may have been getting ready for at least a year before the wedding date.
“The groom is really the new bride,” said the restaurateur Penny Glazier, an owner of the event venues Bridgewaters and Twenty-Four Fifth Avenue, in Manhattan. “And men want to look as good on their wedding day as women do.”
And getting in shape, and losing the extra pounds, is not just for grooms, either. The same applies to fathers of the bride and other members of the wedding party.
Weight loss tips for men
So what sort of weight loss tips are suited specifically for men?
Here are five weight loss tips for men to follow:
- only eat when you are hungry
- never eat unless you are hungry
- nothing after 9, i.e. no food after 9 pm
- keep a daily food diary
- keep exercising – don’t give up on cardio
What challenges are unique to men?
Most men also have fixed views about certain foods that stop them eating more healthily.
For example, it’s not uncommon to hear men say that “salad isn’t a meal” or “You gotta eat meat.” What’s more, men are more sensitive to peer pressure when it comes to eating healthy food around other men. While women can freely order a salad and club soda for lunch with friends, men find it difficult to stay on a diet while hanging out “with the boys.”
Discipline can easily give way to burger, fries and a beer.
The good news?
Men tend to set more realistic weight loss goals for themselves, and are usually more positive about any success in the beginning stages of their program, helping them to stick with it long after some women get frustrated and throw in the towel.
Perhaps it’s time to consider getting in better shape, without having to wait for a wedding.
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After all, it’s your health…