September 9, 2008 – Men seem to be less concerned than women by the current discourse surrounding the growing problem of overweight in the population. How can nutritionists and public health authorities better take into account male concerns? Asks Joost Van der Mast, nutrition researcher at the University of Montreal.
“According to scientific data, man has a positive opinion of his health. Paradoxically, he is less convinced than the woman that he can influence his health through personal actions. Which may explain his lack of interest in dealing with it, ”he explains.
The master’s student will conduct a study on 40 overweight subjects, aged 18 to 50, in order to better define the factors of health and well-being of men with regard to their weight.1.
The male body model conveyed by our society can also explain the problem of identifying men with the prevailing discourse on weight, says Mathieu Roy, doctoral candidate in public health from the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine at the University of Montreal. According to him, society values a man to be very muscular and imposing while the public health message targets a body profile more associated with women.
Nutritionist Hélène Baribeau is not surprised that the health discourse affects men less than women who are overweight. “In my practice with men, I do not use the same language as for women. In general, I give men concrete explanations with strong images of the effect that their food choice will have on the mechanics of their body. While the women who consult me are above all looking for practical advice. “
Carole Boulé – PasseportSanté.net
According to Forum.
1. Joost Van der Mast is looking for overweight adult men who are concerned about their weight. Those interested in participating in this study can reach him at his email address: joost.van.der.mast@umontreal.ca.
