How to Get Rid of Man Boobs

By WLR's Site Manager, Laurence Beeken

According to the latest available data from NHS Choices, nearly a quarter of adults (over 16 years of age) in England were obese (had a BMI over 30). Just under a third of women, 32%, were overweight (a BMI of 25-30), and 42% of men were overweight.

These are the sort of figures that us guys will look at and say, “well, yeah, and your point is? … Sure I’m carrying a few extra pounds, but that’s all muscle and men don’t need to go on a diet” (cue choking noises and jokes about how many calories in a pea).

Well unfortunately there is an embarrassing problem that is becoming more and more prevalent for many men.  It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee fellas: it’s the dreaded Man Boobs!

What are man boobs?

Whatever you call them, enlargement of male breasts is technically known as gynecomastia.  Large breasts in men are often a result of obesity, and are more commonly known as man breasts, manboobs or moobs.

Other causes can include:

• excessive alcohol intake
• use of certain drugs, particularly anabolic steroids
• a side effect of certain diseases
• congenital abnormality (a problem you were born with)
• dramatic weight loss, which can cause the skin to sag

For the majority of cases, excess body fat is likely to be the cause.  Not only does the fat alter the shape of the chest, but it may also elevate levels of oestrogen, something that no full blooded man wants, oh no sir!

How do I get rid of man boobs?

Unless you have an underlying medical condition, then poor eating habits are likely to be to blame, and it will simply be a case of adopting a healthier lifestyle, (and not just short term – it needs to be long term  or the moobs will just come back).

What exercises can I do to reduce man boobs?

Don’t think that a few press-ups or a couple of minutes on the pec-deck will sort the problem.  Like any other area of fat, manboobs cannot be spot trained – you need to adopt an overall fitness plan and combine aerobic exercises with toning exercises.  By toning your upper body you will automatically stand straighter and reduce the appearance of your breasts.

What should I eat to help get rid of them?

A good balanced diet is important to restore overall health.  Fruit and veg are great as a starting point, plus reducing your intake of alcohol, saturated fat and refined, processed foods (that’s the Friday night kebab to me and you).  Basically we men have got to look at what the NHS has been telling us for ages – eat less and move more. 

If you really don’t want to count calories, or just do not have the time, then a simple reduction in portion size will go a long way to helping you banish those man boobs.  If you want a more scientific approach where you can set clearly defined goals, then our food and exercise diaries could be just what you are looking for – us men do like our gadgets after all.

What if I’m not overweight?

If you think your man boobs are not due to excess weight, make sure you see your doctor – yes and make sure you go, don’t ask your partner to make an appointment and then fail to turn up – after all the girls have got it right with regular examinations....

WLR says

Ultimately, for most people, banishing the moobs will only be successful if you adopt a permanent healthy eating and exercise plan. Take a free trial and see how our tools and information can help you to lose them and keep them gone!

Is surgery an option to get rid of man boobs?

The numbers of men having breast reduction surgery is increasing, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). In 2010, the number of reduction operations increased by 28% on 2009.

Man boob reduction is now the second most popular cosmetic operation for men (nose jobs are still the most popular). There were 741 operations to reduce man breasts last year, up from 581 procedures in the previous year.

The increase in surgery has meant an increase in options, for example Laser Lipo suction.

In a statement from BAAPS, the President elect said that the increase in surgery was likely to be due to an increased awareness of 'manboobs'. He also added that around 30% of men who enquire about surgery were sent away to improve their diet and exercise more.

What does the removal procedure entail?

Male breast reduction surgery usually takes about an hour. The surgeon will make a cut into the chest area and liposuction may be used to suck out excess fatty tissue. If there is a lot of tissue to remove, cuts may extend down the chest from the areola, and the nipples may need to be repositioned.

You may have to stay in hospital overnight, take a few days off work and avoid strenuous physical exercise for one month after the op. A compression garment also needs to be worn for one to four weeks after the operation to encourage smooth results (that’s a body stocking in case you were wondering).

Are there any risks?

All surgery comes with risks and these risks are even greater for people who are obese, so any procedure should be given plenty of thought and not be undertaken lightly.   Before undergoing surgery you should be properly prepared and understand both the risks and the benefits, both in the short and long term.

Surgery can leave red and lumpy scars. These may last for several months but should eventually fade to your natural skin colour. Other risks include uneven results and loss of sensation in the nipples.

Will my moobs come back?

Results are permanent but weight gain, hormonal imbalances and the use of certain drugs can cause the breast area to enlarge again.  So once you are well enough, make sure you adopt those lifestyle changes, or you will be back on the table again.

A big part of the success of any of the treatments will depend upon your willingness to change your eating and lifestyle habits. Don’t be fooled into thinking that having a weight loss operation means you won’t ever need to stick to healthy eating or exercise again.