Body dissatisfaction, appearance investment, and wellbeing: How older obese Men orient to "aesthetic health"

© 2015 American Psychological Association. Most research on male body image to date has focused on young men using quantitative methods. The study reported here is based on qualitative interviews with a sample of older obese men (n = 30) on a weight management program, and we asked them about body-related feelings. The interviews were all transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Our results indicate that although body weight was typically minimized, body image was a key concern, with many examples of body consciousness and body dissatisfaction evident. On the other hand, postprogram weight loss was associated with a transformative shift in body image, with the men emphasizing enhanced body confidence, self-esteem and psychological wellbeing. We conclude by highlighting the need to recognize and address appearance issues and health concerns for middle-aged and older men.

http://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/men0000012