With women, media portrayals of skinny celebs can lead to everything from anorexia to breast implants, and an all-consuming obsession with body image. Men are supposed to be above such trivia. We might like to look OK, but we're not obsessed with image.
However, recent research has told a different story. Men are increasingly aware of their body image and increasingly at pains to do something to about it. Here are 10 of the most common male body image issues, and what you can do about them.
Back hair
Men are naturally hairier than women, and some men are naturally hairier than others. Despite that, anything more than a tuft of back hair can cause acute embarrassment. The cries of "Sasquatch" in the locker room might be annoying, but the fear (however unfounded) of the negative reaction of women is a real worry for many men.
What can be done? Back hair can be laser treated or waxed away. Laser hair removal will require a number of sessions (depending on your hairiness) and won't be cheap, but all being well it will solve the problem permanently. Like laser treatment, waxing should also be done by a professional if you want a clean, smooth finish. You'll have to keep going back though: waxing weakens roots and hair grows back thinner — but it does grow back.
Unibrow
The hormones that make your beard grow can also turn your eyebrows into one long hairy caterpillar, aka the unibrow. Women don't like it because it makes you look a bit like a werewolf.
What can be done? See back hair (above). Waxing is effective but needs repeating. Electrolysis, whereby tiny electric shocks destroy follicles, offers a more permanent solution. Unibrow is the number one reason for young men turning to electrolysis.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks — unsightly lines on the stomach, buttocks and thighs — are not just a woman's problem. Men get them too, in places where the skin stretches faster than it can grow. It occurs during puberty and also during rapid weight gain (or loss) or muscle building. Bodybuilders often get stretch marks.
What can be done? Prevention is better than cure. Avoid rapid weight gain or loss with sensible eating. If you're afflicted with unsightly marks already, consult the doctor. Dermabrasion and laser treatment by qualified cosmetic surgeons can improve the look of stretch marks, as can certain creams used to treat acne. Don't be fooled by over-the-counter miracle cures though — they rarely make any difference, as your better half can probably tell you.
Beer bellies
The pot belly that hangs over your trousers and elicits sniggers and joking ("got a bun in the oven") from slimmer men may be caused by beer or it may be caused by cake, but it's always a bit embarrassing. Unlike excess body hair, it's also unhealthy. Research suggests that excess weight carried round the middle is more dangerous than weight carried elsewhere.
What can be done? There's no quick fix, unfortunately. Healthy eating and exercise is the only cure but the effort is worth it. A slimmer, more toned tum can put years on your life. It's also far more likely to impress the ladies.
Moobs
Moobs, or man boobs, are breast-like mounds of squidgy flesh in the chest area. Anecdotal evidence suggests that no man gets more of a ribbing in the changing rooms than the man who sports the biggest moobs.
What can be done? Moobs are often caused by excess fat, but they can also be caused by a condition called gynaecomastia and hormone imbalance. So it's possible to see skinny men with quite pronounced moobs. If your moobs are down to excess fat, the usual solutions (diet and exercise) apply. But cosmetic surgeons say breast reduction procedures in men are skyrocketing, for both obesity-related moobs and those with other causes.
Acne
You don't need to worry about acne once you're passed the 'spotty youth' phase, right? Wrong. Adult acne affects up to 25% of men at some time in their lives, and with the results stamped on your face for all to see, it can be acutely embarrassing. The cause is often difficult to identify, but stress, diet and a lack of sleep may all play a part. Unfortunately, it may just be down to genetics — you'll either get it or you won't, and there's not a lot you can do.
What can be done? The obvious stuff. Wash twice a day with mild soap or cleanser. Over-the-counter acne treatments may help. If not — and your acne is taking a real psychological toll — see your GP and ask for referral to a dermatologist, who may be able to prescribe other treatments, including antibiotics.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Do people say you're pumped, but you think you're puny? Do people admire your six-pack, but all you can see are flabby love handles? If so, you may have BDD, a potentially serious condition than can lead to bad diet decisions and extreme bulking up (often with steroids). BDD is more prevalent among men than women, because it preys on our insecurities of how a real man should look.
What can be done? This really needs to be sorted out by a therapist. Unfortunately, a lot of people who have it won't recognise the fact, but if you're always unsatisfied with your shape or physique, despite real efforts to do something about it, and feel you've become obsessed with your looks, make the GP your first port of call.
Body odour
We all sweat a bit, which means we all give off a little odour every now and then. Some men are more prone to the stinky stuff than others, though. It might be just because they run around more, or it could be because of stress or a condition called hyperhidrosis. Diet can also play a part. Most of us know from bitter experience that eating a spicy, garlic-infused curry can affect the smell of our sweat later on.
What can be done? We don't mean to be rude, but have you tried taking more showers? Seriously, a lack of cleanliness is the worst culprit when it comes to pong production. Clothes can absorb sweat and need to be cleaned regularly too. After that, cut down on coffee and caffeine, drink more water and wear a decent deodorant. If you have a serious BO problem, stronger remedies are available on prescription.
Excessive sweating
If you always have to wipe away the moisture on your hands, or you regularly sweat through your clothes, you could be suffering from excessive sweating. Dark underarm patches are the butt of many a joke and it's normal for men to sweat more than women. But more embarrassing outpourings (so to speak) can be caused by heat, stress and emotions or, in some unlucky men, nothing at all. It can be a real problem. Some men literally sweat so much they don't want to go out.
What can be done? An antiperspirant might be a good start, but if your sweating is triggered by certain situations — having to give a presentation, say, or the stress of a heavy workload — tackle the problem at source. Social anxiety and stress can both be overcome. If you naturally just sweat a lot, your GP may be able to prescribe an effective treatment.
Jock itch
There's nothing like a patchy red rash on your groin and inner thighs to destroy a passionate moment. Jock itch affects lots of men — you don't have to be an athlete to get it — and is caused by a fungal infection that spreads easily. It itches too, and scratching down there is pretty much the nail in the coffin for your planned night of ooh la la.
What can be done? Keep the area clean and dry and avoid tight clothing. Everyday antifungal creams will do the rest.
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