Survey reveals social media and advertising have created anxiety for men in Scotland.

Hundreds of thousands of men in Scotland have struggled with body image issues, according to a survey for the Mental Health Foundation Scotland.

The research, published to mark men’s health awareness month in “Movember”, found 28% of Scottish men had felt anxious because of their body image.

More than one in ten (12%) said they have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings because of body image issues and 4% had self-harmed.

Almost a quarter of men (23%) had avoided taking part in social activities that would require them to show their body, such as sports or beach holidays, and 34% said their body image had a negative impact on their self-esteem within the last year.

The findings come after 1012 Scottish adults aged 18 and over were surveyed earlier this year.

Julie Cameron, head of programmes at the Mental Health Foundation Scotland said: “Body image is often seen as an issue that affects women – but it is clear from our data that it is affecting large numbers of men as well. Men are also increasingly being surrounded by images of idealized body types – either through advertising or reality TV shows.

“The consequences of body image issues can be serious. It is shocking that over one in ten of the men who responded to our Scottish survey said they had experienced suicidal thoughts as a result of body image issues.”

MHF Scotland, who currently co-chair the Scottish Government’s Body Image Advisory Group, is now calling on the Scottish Government and industries to take action, including the regulation of social media. It has also campaigned for reality TV shows like Love Island to avoid showing unrealistic body types.

Ms Cameron said: “There is evidence to suggest that body image issues in men are becoming more pronounced. Men also can find it more difficult to talk about their mental health and to seek help.

“But none of this inevitable. There is much we can do as a society to reduce pressures on men and improve and mental health.”

Paul Browett, 36, from Glasgow said he has struggled with his own body image and that social media and online advertising have helped to fuel his own insecurities.

He said: “I think the rise of social media, TV and celebrities have all created a pressure in society to aspire to a certain body. At times I’ve been unhappy with my body which has affected my confidence. I have found myself becoming jealous of others due to this and can result in me being sensitive or argumentative.

“I think society still has some way to go on how body image is perceived by others and ultimately how others react to someone’s body image. Being body conscious is not exclusive to women, yet when a man takes pride in his appearance, or has anxieties about his body, this is often met with a joke, sarcasm or a put down.”

Anyone seeking advice or support on body image issues is encouraged to seek advice on the Mental Health Foundation website.