Home Page > Articles

Tummy Tuck – Athletica Nervosa

More men are opting for a tummy tuck as a new phenomena has been reported – Athletica Nervosa.

 

The tummy tuck used to be the domain of women. Having a small waist has always been a sign of attractiveness for women, and the pressure on attaining the perfect body has plagued women for centuries – from corsets to dieting, to extreme exercise and tummy tucks. But now, a new medical condition has been unveiled – athletica nervosa. Men are increasingly coming forward for a tummy tuck and breast reduction procedure as they feel under pressure to look svelte and fit.

Tummy Tuck for men

Anorexia nervosa has been plaguing women for decades, but men are now feeling the pressures of attaining the perfect figure and some are taking it to extremes. A tummy tuck or breast reduction can help improve the lives of many men – especially those who have undergone extreme weight loss. In some cases, tissue damage has left them with distended stomachs, and so a tummy tuck can help make a massive difference. But more men are stepping forward for a tummy tuck even if they already look fine. Research suggests some men are becoming so anxious about their physiques that they are embarking on excessive exercise regimes – hence the term 'athletica nervosa'.

Cosmetic Surgery – Fixing an Abnormality

Some women may feel it's about time men experienced the same unrealistic expectations about their bodies that women have. The idea that more men are opting for a tummy tuck may sound like another symptom of athletica nervosa. But for many men and women, a tummy tuck isn't about becoming a size zero, but about fixing an abnormality or problem that diet and exercise can't fix. The notion that cosmetic surgery is becoming more acceptable for men isn't necessarily because men are becoming more vain or image conscious, but because cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery is now normalised in our culture.

Men More Anxious about their Bodies

But regardless of why the tummy tuck is more popular for both sexes, it's certainly true that men are becoming more aware of their looks. The British study co-conducted by David Giles, a psychologist at Winchester University, found the more men read lads' magazines, the more likely they are to develop athletica nervosa or become anxious about their physiques. It's believed men internalise the images of women and men in such magazines who are impossibly good looking, making them super critical of their own flaws.

Looking for a Tummy Tuck? Choose Vive Life

If you want to change your look, boost your confidence and enjoy a more healthy and active lifestyle, Vive Life Care can help. We can enhance your health and improve the way you look, empowering you to achieve your goals.

From the moment you contact us our team, we will help you through the process. We specialise in cosmetic surgery, including breast surgery, body surgery and facial surgery, as well as non-surgical facial treatments, weight management, varicose veins treatments and physiotherapy.

All consultants are listed on the General Medical Council Specialist register and have or still hold NHS posts.

 

Back to Tummy tuck articles.

Related content

TREATMENT FINDER