Why Men Are More Resistant to Treating Obesity

In some circles, men bringing up obesity is like saying, “you’re vegan while at a steakhouse,” according to a patient interviewed in this article. They view weight loss as a “woman’s” issue.

Obesity affects around 40% of American adults, which is split almost equally between men and women. However, when it comes to seeking treatment, men are largely absent from the conversation and from taking any action. A decade of analysis shows that only 20% of bariatric patients are male. When it comes to taking GLP-1s, the statistics are similar. Only 22% of medical weight loss patients are male, and they are more likely to discontinue using semaglutide or tirzepatide earlier than women. 

Why Does this Gap Exist?

With far more pressure on women to maintain today’s societal beauty standards which scrutinize women’s bodies and signs of aging, they are more inclined to seek professional treatment for obesity. But that’s across the industry, as men on average don’t seek out healthcare treatment with the same urgency women tend to. Men are more likely to follow the school of thought that they should just “hit the gym harder,” drink less, and essentially willpower their way to losing weight. 

The tough attitude isn't playing out so favorably. Here’s two sobering statistics:

• Obesity is more deadly in men

• Obesity contributes to the five year life expectancy gap between men and women (76 versus 81 years)

Why Does Obesity Affect Men Differently?

Although the BMI does not take this into account, all fat isn’t created equal. Women tend to store fat around their hips and thighs, and men tend to store excess fat deep inside their stomachs and around their organs. The fat around organs, visceral fat, is dangerous because it produces inflammatory molecules and fatty acids. Over time, this affects the liver, can lead to blood clots, insulin resistance and arterial plaques. This increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. 

New Approaches to Treating Obesity in Men

Men are more likely to take treatment seriously for the diseases that are linked to obesity rather than “weight loss.” By treating obesity, men are able to stop taking prescription medications for these health conditions. However there are other motivators for men to treat obesity. For example, obesity also affects men’s sexual health. Those who want to start or grow a family have a higher chance of a low sperm count. The disease can also be the culprit for men struggling with erectile dysfunction. 

If you or a loved one are a male struggling with obesity or health related conditions, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Korman to learn more about surgical options or medical weight loss.