Time for men to start talking about their weight

They are more likely to be overweight than women, less likely to admit it, less likely to diet, and less likely to talk to friends about it, says Helen O’Callaghan.

MEN get fat. But they are less vocal about it. They don’t sit around with colleagues at coffee-break, discussing the latest celeb-endorsed diet. Nor ring their friends, in tears, because they’ve fallen off the wagon after a week’s starvation, eaten two cream buns and now won’t fit into their skinny jeans.

Men get fat — even more than women. According to the 2010 National Adult Nutrition Survey, only 18% of men in the 36 to 50-year age group are a healthy weight, compared to 44% of women that age. Of men aged 18 to 35, 39% are overweight, compared to 25% of women.