Male body image and why we want to talk about it

We generally talk about body image as it relates to women.  We actively discuss the negative portrayal of women in the media and create initiatives that highlight the female plus perspective. Rarely do you see the men in the plus community in the conversation, as if they don't also struggle with the same negative stereotypes. We have been asked for several years to have events for men and we are proud to add the male perspective to the Fuller Woman Expo this year. Here are some of the reasons why its important to talk about men and body issues.

Seeing unrealistic female body images affects men too. Often times when you see a very thin model representing the ideal woman it is seen with a thin, muscular man that is also presented as the ideal male body type. Men then intern feel that they are not desirable and will never be deserving of the "best" things in life. This creates the cycle of dieting and abuse of their bodies via excessive weight training to achieve at least the appearance of what society deems attractive. Ironically excessive weight training is encouraged by society and considered very "manly". 
Men are uncomfortable with discussing body dissatisfaction.  Male roles in society have been typically clearly defined, they are providers and offer strength and security. With the increased amount of women in society providing for the family and assuming roles traditionally held by men, men want to at least give the appearance of masculinity and strength through physical appearance. Speaking about their dissatisfaction of their physical appearance openly would mean a vulnerability that some men maybe uncomfortable with, especially when the topic of body image is deemed a "woman's issues"
Men need fashion options too. Just as women struggle with finding options as it relates to fashion for plus sizes, men struggle with finding affordable trendy options. Big and Tall sections in stores are few and far between.
It's about time we talk about it.  Like with anything we do in the network we try to offer different perspectives in the movement . We are not attempting to speak on behalf of all men, but trying to bring light to issues that affect all in the plus community. Men make the same lifestyle choices that women do when they fear an unsafe space for their bodies. How the men in your life move and feel in their own space in the world also impacts they people they love. We welcome men to the conversation and want to support them too in healing and living free from pressures they place on themselves to achieve the physical ideal.

We welcome the opportunity to connect with more men in the movement. Please leave feedback and resources that the network should connect with.
Helpful reading: 
Pope, H; Philips, K.; and Olivardia, R. (2000)The Adonis Complex: The Secret Crisis of Male Body Obsession
Norman, M. (2011) Embodying the Double-Bind of Masculinity: Young Men and Discourses of Normalcy, Health, Heterosexuality and Individualism
Image source:Http://jbfcs.blogspot.com