American men not as healthy as they believe, according to new study

It may be hard to believe but, most American men (four out of five or 81%) believe they live a healthy lifestyle, perceiving themselves being much healthier than they really are. 

In reality, American men’s actual health habits are far from perfect, as was found in a recent Cleveland Clinic survey of 1,000 men, 18 and older. Some of the findings include that close to half forgo an annual physical (44%) and another 44% ignore seeking help for mental health issues. 

New study reveals American men are not as healthy as they believe

Even more disturbing was that just 51% of respondents reported following a healthy diet, while 27% watched more than five hours of TV per day. Basically, men’s lifestyle behaviors do not align with commonly accepted healthy living practices.

Cleveland Clinic conducted this survey as part of its annual MENtion It campaign, to raise awareness that men avoid mentioning health issues or taking preventive measures.

The survey showed 83% of men reported experiencing stress within the last six months. However, the poll also revealed that 65% of these men are reluctant to obtain professional help for their mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.

The findings from this survey emphasize the need for men to acknowledge that stress is a common experience that can have physical effects. Stress has been linked to many health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain.

Emotional and mental health not only affect your mind but also impact physical health. Additionally, Jennifer Thompson, the communications director at Men’s Health Network, emphasized the connection between the mind and body. While men often prioritize their physical health by going to the gym and maintaining a healthy diet, they may overlook their overall health in other areas. Thompson suggests that men need to be more informed and considerate of their overall well-being.

Men struggling with mental health may not prioritize specific areas of their lives such as neglecting hygiene, healthy eating habits, or not exercising, which could worsen their mental health. Additionally, the gap between perceived health and actual lifestyle may worsen as men age.

As men age, they may not recognize specific symptoms as potential signs of a disease. Additionally, they may not realize that changes to their lifestyle could be causing problems. These symptoms and lifestyle changes may be gradual, making it difficult for them to perceive the potential risks. Therefore, it is crucial for men to undergo an annual checkup for their health.

Having a checkup not only encourages reconsidering one’s lifestyle but also offers an opportunity to detect and manage chronic diseases commonly affecting men such as diabetes, hypertension, and even prostate cancer.

Many men find it challenging to know when to undergo certain screenings based on their age. This is where annual check-ups come in handy. Health care professionals can keep track of their screening needs, considering age, risk category, family history, and when men are due for certain screenings. It’s crucial men keep these appointments for their overall well-being.

One solution to encouraging men to prioritize their health is to appeal to their sexual health. According to the survey, 37% of American men have faced sexual health problems, yet only 40% have sought medical assistance. Guys have strong concerns about their sexual wellness and how they perform. 

Men who want an active and fulfilling sex life should remember that annual checkups and managing their health can improve sexual health and prevent common sexual concerns. This information alone could encourage men to seek medical attention. 

Additionally, the survey revealed other noteworthy findings such as:

• Men with children are likelier than non-parents to declare that they live a healthy lifestyle (87% vs 80%).
• Men spend an average 2.3 hours each day scrolling social media.
• Men reluctant to seek professional help for mental health problems are almost twice as likely to spend five or more hours on social media daily.
• 54% of American men are not satisfied with their current weight, and 50% are actively working to achieve their goal weight.
• Only 56% of men know the impact of drinking on sexual health, and only 43% know about smoking’s negative sexual effects.
• According to the survey, stress (68%), age (65%), and excessive weight (61%) are the top factors affecting sexual health.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.