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Men are much more stressed about their bodies than five years ago

A new survey has found that only four per cent of men are happy with their physique, and most feel under increasing pressure to improve their body shape

'The Only Way Is Essex' cast in Marbella, Spain - 08 Jun 2014...Mandatory Credit: Photo by Beretta/Sims/REX (3796945k) Tom Pearce and Dan Osborne 'The Only Way Is Essex' cast in Marbella, Spain - 08 Jun 2014 ------------------------------------- Beretta/Sims/REX
Tom Pearce, left, and Dan Osborne from The Only Way Is Essex set the bar high for Mr Average Credit: Photo: Beretta/Sims/REX

British men feel under increasing pressure to improve their bodies, according to a new survey.

Research conducted on behalf of Alpha Man magazine found that with 82 per cent of men "feel more stressed about not having an impressive physique than they did five years ago".

The survey of over 1200 men found that 69 per cent of respondents would give up alcohol forever in return for a perfect body, and 30 per cent said they would even sacrifice a year of their lives if it meant having their dream physique.

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When asked which part of their body they are most unhappy with, 50 per cent of respondents said their beer bellies, 14 per cent said their chest and 10 per cent said they hate their legs.

Fat man

Fifty per cent of men say they are unhappy with their bellies


Only four per cent of the men surveyed said they are very happy with their bodies.

“It’s clear that more men than ever feel under intense pressure to have a better body,” said Joe Warner, Alpha Man magazine’s editorial director. 

“Our survey revealed that nearly 85 per cent of men have been on a diet and many have even resorted to skipping meals in a bid to trim down, or worn compression underwear because they feel so self-conscious.”