The male body expectations and how they have changed over time
Society puts pressure on men and women to look a certain way and when people don’t meet these standards they’re often criticised for their shape, size and appearance. This is otherwise known as ‘body shaming’ and although the term is typically associated with women, men often experience it too.
Putting pressure on people to achieve the ‘ideal’ body can lead to various physical and mental health problems — but the truth is there is no such thing as the perfect body as they come in all different shapes and sizes.
This type of pressure to have what society deems as the ‘perfect’ body isn’t new, and even centuries ago people would have been faced with similar problems to achieve a certain body type.
Body shapes throughout the ages
If you look back at male body shapes throughout history, there has always been this idea of having what is considered to be an ‘ideal’ look, but for most it’s an unattainable goal that simply can’t be achieved by all for various reasons.
Take ancient Greece for example, where men were expected to be muscular, very lean with a thin waist; an image often depicted in Greek art and sculptures as a reflection of Greek Gods such as Zues and Apollo. A chiseled body of this nature wouldn’t have been achievable for the average Greek male.
In stark contrast to the desired muscular body, is the 19th century perception of the ideal male form; which saw having a wide waist, bigger stomach and larger frame as a sign of being wealthy. This was the age of industrialisation and by showing you could afford a great deal of food was a way to prove your wealth and class.
The effects of body expectations
As the decades pass, the concept of what is considered the ‘ideal’ male body is constantly changing. With pressure from the media and society to achieve certain shapes and sizes to look like actors, athletes and celebrities, it’s important to highlight the impact this can have on men’s physical and mental health.
Comparing your body shape to those that are labelled ‘perfect’ can have a negative affect on your self-esteem, leading to mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Not only does it affect your mental wellbeing but it can start to have an impact on your sexual performance too.
The more we highlight how having these body standards set for us by society and the media have no real significance, the more we can all learn to love and accept our bodies just the way they are.
What is considered to be the ‘perfect’ body type will continue to change over time, but that doesn’t mean men have to conform to this. It’s important to remember that there is #NoTypicalMan and each body is perfect in its own way.