Middle-aged men think weight gain is inevitable

A body mass index (BMI) over 25 is considered overweight, and over 30 is defined as obesity

Researchers from Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and the University of Derby interviewed men aged 35 and over who participated in the Alpha Programme (TAP), a football and weight management programme at local community venues

The qualitative study conducted in-depth interviews with eight participants aged 35 to 58

Family and employment were the two main factors driving them into trouble, and the discussion highlighted a feeling of resignation, and weight gain as an inevitable consequence of these life choices

Comfort eating is thought to be the main cause of weight gain, but interviews show that little is known about other nutritional factors such as food type and portion size

One of them, a 43-year-old man with a BMI of 38.

Another, also 43, with a BMI of 39.

Often with some frustration, self-objectification and loss of self-esteem are shown when discussing their weight, however, despite knowledge of their mental state and the health risks of continuing their eating behaviors, there have been few and no commitments to changing these

A 40-year-old man with a BMI of 49.

The study's lead author, Dr Mark Courtenich, Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "People tend to forget how much our way of life, especially family and work, affects weight gain

"Despite the public health message, obesity among men in the UK is increasing, and one of the factors is that we have less time

Although they frequently mentioned comfort diets, the participants also lacked awareness of other factors that contribute to weight gain

The research was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Journal Reference :

1. Mark Cortnage, Andy Pringle.