When How You Look Affects How You Feel
Body image issues are often spoken about in the context of women, but research shows they affect men in significant and often overlooked ways. Many men experience anxiety about weight, fitness, muscle tone, height, hair loss, or general appearance. These pressures can stem from social media, fitness culture, advertising, or even long-standing comparisons with peers.
For some men, the result is relentless self-criticism. For others, it leads to hiding in baggy clothes, avoiding social or intimate situations, or obsessing over exercise and diet. Some men may not openly admit to “body image struggles” — but describe feeling “not good enough,” uncomfortable in their own skin, or preoccupied with how others see them.
At Hope Therapy & Counselling Services, we understand that body image is more than appearance. It is deeply connected to identity, confidence, relationships, and mental health.
The Mental Health Foundation (2023) reported that over 25% of men in the UK feel anxious about their body image. Among younger men, exposure to fitness influencers and online comparisons makes this figure even higher.
Body image concerns can contribute to:
- Depression and anxiety
- Disordered eating patterns such as restriction, bingeing, or yo-yo dieting
- Excessive exercise or body dysmorphia
- Social withdrawal and loneliness
- Reduced confidence in relationships or at work
These experiences are common, but men often feel pressure to stay silent, fearing judgement or minimisation.
The Emotional Cost of Poor Body Image
Living with constant dissatisfaction about your body can quietly erode daily life. You may avoid intimacy, dread work events or social gatherings, or feel distracted by negative self-talk. For some, the gym becomes a place of obsession rather than health. For others, mirrors are avoided altogether.
This ongoing tension can leave men feeling frustrated, ashamed, or stuck in cycles of unhealthy coping behaviours. It also impacts how men see themselves in relationships, careers, and family life — creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the body itself.
How Counselling Helps with Body Image and Self-Esteem
Counselling provides a safe and confidential space to talk openly about how you see yourself. It is not about dismissing your concerns or telling you to “just accept yourself.” Instead, it is about understanding where those feelings come from, challenging the harshest inner criticisms, and developing a healthier sense of self.
Through counselling, you can:
- Explore the roots of body dissatisfaction, including cultural or personal influences.
- Address links between body image, masculinity, and self-worth.
- Work on reducing negative self-talk and perfectionism.
- Develop confidence that is not tied solely to appearance.
- Rebuild relationships with food, exercise, or self-care if they’ve become difficult.
The goal is not to force false positivity, but to help you feel more at ease in your own skin and to recognise your value beyond appearance.
Taking the First Step
If body image concerns or low self-esteem are affecting your life, you don’t need to keep struggling in silence. Support is available, and change is possible.
📅 Book Your Free Consultation today and take the first step towards building a healthier relationship with yourself.