WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Experts say body-image worries affect men as well as women

Experts say body-image worries affect men as well as women

(New York-AP) October 6, 2006 - Move over gals. All those worries about self-esteem driven by media images of buff bods apply to guys, too.

Researchers including Deborah Schooler insist that men's attitudes - forged by billboards, magazine covers and clothing ads - demand just as much attention as the eating disorders or other damaging fallout that affect women and young girls.

The Brown University researcher also says "asking men about just weight or size misses the boat." Because she says the true indicators of men's attitudes are found in fears about "real-body" factors, like sweat or body hair.

Another prominent researcher disagrees. Deborah Tolman says "as a man, you can look terrible and still be very well respected."

Posted 8:13pm by Chantelle Janelle