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Moobs are more common than people think

Moobs, also known as man-boobs (and officially as gynaecomastia), when the male breast tissue is enlarged to a size other than ‘normal’. It is a lot more common than people think.

Mrs Carla M Babicki  |  RGN

Last Updated On: June 6, 2023 | Published On: March 20, 2018

mr-shivram-singh-2

Medically reviewed by Mr Shivram Singh MBBS, FRCSI, FRCS (Plast), Medical Director & Lead,
Medical Advisory Committee for Manchester Private Hospital
Last Reviewed July 28th 2022

Men who experience this problem often keep it to themselves. They either hide away or keep their upper body covered.
This becomes obvious in public places where revealing their upper body is usually the norm, or more common – such as on holiday, in a swimming pool, in a changing room or at the gym.
Men with moobs are known to keep their t-shirt or tops on to hide them.

gynaecomastia

How old do you have to be to develop moobs?

Gynaecomastia can occur at any age and happens to men young or old.

Why do ‘boobs’ develop on men?

Man boobs can develop with weight gain.
The fat tissue may increase inline with a persons body-weight-gain. However, some men can be more prone to carry weight on their upper body or midriff. So whilst overall the person does gain weight, it shows more prominent in the breast and stomach area.

What else causes ‘moobs’?

The cause of moobs, other than weight gain, is hormones.
Testosterone, the male sex hormone is sometimes less present in some men and ‘overbeared’ by the female sex hormone oestrogen – the one that controls the tissue growth in the boob area.
The ratio between the two hormones can play an important part on how noticeable moobs are.

Hormone imbalance

A condition known as Klinefelter syndrome (KS) can also be a cause of moobs, which is the imbalance between the two hormones.
Testosterone replacement therapy is sometimes used to try and reduce the size of man boobs but if the condition is severe, some people require correction surgery.

Embarrassment

  • Gynaecomastia can affect men in very different ways, and some more than others.
  • One of the most common effects of experiencing large breast tissue in men is an embarrassment.
  • However, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to this common condition.
  • If you are embarrassed about your moobs, call us for a friendly chat and arrange a consultation to discuss your options.
  • We have many patients up and down the country with this common condition and can advise you on the best cause of action. We will be able to examine you and your breast tissue to confirm gynaecomastia and provide all the information you need in combatting this problem.

Will losing weight help?

  • Overweight men often think that their weight gain has caused their moobs, but that is not always the case.
  • Whilst maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an optimum weight for your size can be beneficial, it may only reduce your breast tissue size.
  • Gaining weight can also change your hormone levels. So men who have gained a few pounds tend to produce more oestrogen.
  • Moobs can also be caused by using drugs, such as steroids and cannabis. Men who drink excessive amounts of alcohol also report a high rate of gynaecomastia.

Clinical help to combat your moobs

Along with breast reduction surgery for men, we also provide patients with specialist advice tailored towards you as a person.
Each individual patient is assessed and provided with guidance on the best method for getting rid of their man-boobs and keeping them off for good.
Many patients are undergoing drastic lifestyle changes. Often an increase in exercise, good diet and breast surgery can have a positive effect on life and self confidence.

Is gynaecomastia on the rise?

  • The figures on men having surgery to combat gynaecomastia are increasing. But why is this the case?
  • Is the condition becomming more public or are more people getting man-boobs?
  • The reality is, every male has breast tissue, just like females. But some men have excessive breast tissue.
  • The trouble with man boobs is that the media body-shame people with them. So every case is amplified.
  • Often celebrities pictured on holiday are bodyshamed and this adds to the embarrassment of everyday people towards gynaecomastia.
  • It is estimated that around 500 procedures are carried out every year for gynaecomastia. Breast reduction surgery is the main choice for most.

Is surgery a short-cut?

Although gynaecomastia is benign, it can be serious condition that can affect mental health. It can stop men socialising, affect their work and contribute to depression. So it is not something that should be taken lightly and people should be more sensitive towards it.
In many cases, no amount of exercise will get rid of man boobs.
This is the reason why it is important to speak with a professional in the industry for a full assessment.
Clinicians can carry out a full physical and mental assessment with each patient to confirm the condition and the extent to which they are affected. To know more about gynaecomastia surgery, please visit: https://manchesterprivatehospital.uk/cosmetic-surgery/gynecomastia/

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