Men and Obesity: Health Risks and Population Trends

For many men, weight does not feel like a health issue until something else brings it into focus. It might be high blood pressure, poor sleep, breathlessness, joint pain, changes in blood sugar, or concerns about sexual health.

The numbers also show why this is worth talking about. In England, 70% of men were overweight or living with obesity in 2024, compared with 62% of women. However, obesity alone was similar between men and women, at 29% and 31% respectively.

Weight can affect men in several ways. Where fat is stored can matter, particularly around the abdomen, and obesity is linked with a higher risk of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and sleep apnoea. It can also be associated with lower testosterone levels and erectile difficulties.

That does not mean every man living with obesity will develop these problems. Health is more complicated than a BMI number. But understanding the connections can make it easier to recognise when getting support may be useful.

Key things to know

• In England, 70% of men were overweight or living with obesity in 2024, compared with 62% of women.
• Obesity alone affected 29% of men and 31% of women in the same survey.
• Men tend to have more central fat than women, and excess fat around the abdomen is linked with higher cardiometabolic risk.
• Obesity is associated with conditions including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnoea.
• Higher BMI is also associated with lower testosterone levels in some men, although low testosterone can have several causes.
• Obesity can contribute to erectile dysfunction, particularly through its links with blood vessel and metabolic health.
• Men can be less likely than women to use weight management services, so making support easier to access matters.
• Weight management can include changes to diet and activity, behavioural support, prescription medicines and specialist treatment, depending on individual circumstances.

How Common Is Male Obesity in the UK?

There is no single current obesity figure that represents every man across the UK because England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland collect their own health data.

The latest Health Survey for England provides a useful picture for England. In 2024, 70% of men aged 16 and over were overweight or living with obesity. Among women, the figure was 62%. However, when obesity was looked at on its own, the figures were 29% for men and 31% for women.

So, saying that obesity is simply “more common in men” can be misleading. The difference is clearer when overweight and obesity are combined.

This distinction matters because being overweight and living with obesity are not exactly the same thing, and BMI is only one part of a health assessment.

The same survey found that obesity increased with age, from 18% among adults aged 16 to 24 to around 35% to 36% among those aged 55 to 74.

Why Does Fat Distribution Matter in Men?

Have you ever noticed that two people can have a similar BMI but very different body shapes?

That is one reason healthcare professionals do not always rely on BMI alone.

Men are more likely to carry excess fat around the abdomen. Fat stored around the organs in the abdomen, known as visceral fat, is linked with metabolic health and conditions such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Waist measurements can therefore provide additional information about health risk.

However, there is an important point here. Current NICE guidance recommends waist to height ratio mainly for adults with a BMI below 35 kg/m². At a BMI of 35 or above, waist measurements add less information for predicting disease risk because central adiposity is already likely to be high.

The Health Survey for England also found that men had a higher average waist circumference than women in 2024, at 98.4 cm compared with 88.7 cm.

This does not mean that every man with a larger waist has poor health. It simply shows why looking at where weight is carried can add useful information to a wider assessment.

What Health Risks Are Particularly Relevant to Men?

Obesity can affect men and women in many of the same ways. Some areas, however, are particularly relevant when discussing men's health.

Heart disease and type 2 diabetes

Living with obesity increases the risk of several conditions, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

Abdominal fat is also closely linked with metabolic problems, which is one reason waist measurements can be useful in some people.

The important point is that these risks do not appear overnight. They can build over time, which means finding out about blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can be useful even when someone feels well.

Sleep apnoea

Obstructive sleep apnoea causes breathing to stop and start repeatedly during sleep. It can lead to loud snoring, disturbed sleep and daytime tiredness.

Obesity is a recognised risk factor for sleep apnoea. If you regularly wake feeling exhausted despite getting enough time in bed, or someone tells you that you stop breathing or gasp during sleep, it is worth discussing this with a GP.

Sleep problems should not simply be dismissed as part of getting older or being busy.

Testosterone levels

The relationship between obesity and testosterone is more complicated than simply saying that being overweight causes low testosterone.

Research and clinical guidance recognise an association between obesity and testosterone deficiency in some men. The relationship can also work in both directions, with low testosterone and obesity influencing each other.

This means that symptoms such as low sex drive, tiredness or changes in muscle mass should not automatically be blamed on weight.

If low testosterone is suspected, a healthcare professional can look at symptoms, medical history and appropriate blood tests rather than relying on BMI alone.

Erectile function

Erectile dysfunction can have many causes, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, hormone problems, stress, medicines and problems affecting blood flow.

Obesity can contribute to this picture because it is associated with several of these underlying health factors.

The good news is that erectile difficulties can often be treated or improved once the underlying cause is identified. NHS guidance also recommends healthy lifestyle changes, including losing weight when appropriate, as one part of managing erectile dysfunction.

If erection problems keep happening, it is worth speaking with a GP or sexual health service rather than assuming that the problem is simply part of ageing.

Why Can Weight Reduction Help?

Weight reduction is recommended in obesity management because it can improve health, not because every man needs to look a certain way.

The NHS notes that losing even 5% to 10% of body weight can improve health and reduce the risk of several serious health conditions.

For some men, changes in weight may also be associated with improvements in blood pressure, blood sugar, sleep, physical function and other health markers.

There may also be benefits for testosterone or erectile function in some men, but these should not be presented as guaranteed results. Sexual and hormonal health can have several causes, so improvement depends on the individual.

It is also important not to turn weight management into a demand for rapid weight loss. A realistic approach looks at what someone can maintain over time and what health outcomes matter most to them.

It is not just about the number on the scales

A man can be concerned about his weight without wanting to focus entirely on appearance.

Perhaps he wants to walk without getting out of breath. Maybe he wants to sleep better, manage his blood pressure, keep up with his children, reduce joint discomfort or feel more comfortable during everyday activities.

Those are all valid reasons to talk about weight.

The goal of weight management should be based on health and wellbeing rather than a single appearance based target.

Do Men Use Weight Management Support Less Often?

There is evidence that men are less likely than women to use some weight management services.

The Department of Health and Social Care's Men's Health Strategy for England notes that men are less likely than women to attend face to face community weight management sessions. It also highlights differences in participation in weight management programmes.

Research into men's experiences has found that some men feel uncomfortable in weight management settings that they see as mainly designed for women. Others may prefer support that feels practical, flexible and focused on health rather than dieting alone.

This is not about blaming men for not asking for help.

It is a reminder that support needs to be accessible and relevant. If a man has been putting off a conversation about his weight, there is no need to wait until another health problem appears before asking for help.

What Support Is Available for Men?

There is no separate treatment pathway that every man needs to follow.

Depending on someone's health and circumstances, support may include:

dietary advice

physical activity

behavioural support

structured weight management programmes

prescription weight management medicines

specialist weight management services

and, for some people, bariatric surgery assessment.

NICE recommends that weight management should be tailored to the individual. This means considering health conditions, previous experiences, personal preferences and the practical barriers that may make treatment harder to follow.

The right approach may also change over time.

What Does Treatment Look Like in the UK?

If medically supervised weight management is being considered, the first step is usually an assessment.

This may involve questions about:

your weight and health history

current medicines

existing health conditions

eating patterns

physical activity

previous attempts to manage your weight

and your treatment preferences.

BMI may be used as part of this assessment, but it is not the only factor.

Prescription medicines also have specific eligibility criteria. For example, NICE guidance includes different criteria for medicines such as tirzepatide, semaglutide, liraglutide and orlistat. Eligibility can depend on BMI, weight related health conditions and the medicine being considered.

A prescriber should therefore assess whether a particular treatment is suitable rather than assuming that a BMI number automatically qualifies someone.

What about an online consultation?

An online consultation can be one way of starting a weight management assessment.

You may be asked about your medical history, current medicines, existing health conditions, weight and treatment goals. A UK registered prescriber can then review the information and decide whether treatment is clinically appropriate.

An online assessment should still involve a proper clinical review. It should not be treated as a simple way to order prescription medicine without checking whether that medicine is suitable.

What about the cost?

The cost of prescription weight management treatment can vary depending on the medicine, service and dose.

Because prices can change, it is better to check the current product or treatment page rather than relying on an old figure in an article.

Can Weight Loss Improve Obesity Related Health Risks in Men?

Weight loss can be associated with improvements in several health measures.

The NHS states that losing 5% to 10% of body weight can improve health.

For men, this may be particularly relevant when weight is contributing to high blood pressure, blood sugar problems, poor sleep or erectile difficulties.

However, weight loss does not guarantee that a particular condition will improve. For example, erectile dysfunction may have several causes, while low testosterone requires proper clinical assessment.

This is why weight reduction should be seen as one part of a wider health plan rather than a cure for every problem linked with obesity.

What Should Men Consider When Managing Their Weight?

Weight can change for many reasons.

Ageing may affect muscle mass and activity levels. Some medicines can influence appetite or weight. Poor sleep, stress, long working hours and other health conditions can also make weight management harder.

Food choices and physical activity matter too, but they are not the only things worth discussing.

A useful assessment should look at the full picture rather than simply asking whether someone is eating too much or exercising enough.

Small, realistic changes can be more useful than trying to completely change everything at once.

For some people, this could mean becoming more active. For others, it could mean reviewing portion sizes, improving meal choices, reducing sugary drinks, getting help with sleep or discussing prescription treatment with a healthcare professional.

When Should a Man Speak to a Healthcare Professional?

You do not need to wait until your weight is causing a major problem.

It may be worth speaking with a GP or another qualified healthcare professional if you are concerned about:

your BMI or waist measurement

blood pressure

blood sugar

persistent tiredness

snoring or possible sleep apnoea

joint pain or reduced mobility

erectile difficulties

low sex drive

or changes in your weight that you cannot explain.

A conversation does not automatically mean medication or surgery.

It simply gives you a chance to understand what may be affecting your health and what support is available.

Safety Considerations

Prescription weight management medicines should only be used following an appropriate clinical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified prescriber.

Do not start, stop or change prescription treatment because of information you have read online.

If concerns about food, eating, body image or weight are becoming distressing or difficult to control, tell your GP or another healthcare professional. This is particularly important if you have symptoms of an eating disorder or a difficult relationship with food.

Weight management should support your overall health, not create another source of distress.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided for general information and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for an assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

BMI and other measurements can help identify health risks, but they cannot provide a complete picture of an individual's health. Treatment suitability depends on personal circumstances, medical history and clinical assessment.

If you have concerns about your weight, symptoms or general health, speak with a GP, pharmacist or other appropriate healthcare professional.