Man boobs: the condition made famous by Meatloaf in Fight Club. And while that role was iconic, Robert Paulson hardly qualifies as fitspo.
While developing a pouty pair of knockers may not be on your bucket list, it can happen despite a Y chromosome. Here is what you need to know about the dreaded moobs.
What Causes Man Boobs?
This may come as a shock to you, but man boobs and moobs is not the official term for this condition. In the medical community, it is called gynecomastia — the enlargement of breast tissue in males.
Men who have this condition are often looking for fixes, and those without it tend to want to know the cause so they can avoid it. Gynecomastia treatment options can help clients understand why they have developed breasts.
There is quite the rumor mill surrounding the moobs, saying everything from soy to beer can cause them. But is that true?
Despite rampant SoyBoy memes, there is zero evidence that soy causes man boobs. As for beer, well, excess calories in general can lead to larger fat cells in many areas of the body, including the chest.
But for most men, diet isn’t at the root of their full B-cups: genetics are.
Hormones Are One Helluva Drug
That’s right, boys: the ladies aren’t the only ones whose hormones take them for a ride. Yes, it happens to the gents too. And those wacky hormones are to blame in the majority of cases.
Men have breast tissue and milk ducts, just like women, but hormones determine how full that breast tissue becomes. When male breast tissue becomes enlarged, it is usually because the levels of estrogen present in the body are too high. This encourages the fat cells there to swell, resulting in the signature moob look.
The Battle of the Man Boobs
If you love your moobs, then good for you — we support you. But let’s face it: most men don’t want to walk around sporting bodacious boobies.
Man boobs may be partially genetic, but you don’t have to live with them.
And that is okay, not only because it is perfectly fine to want to change your appearance, but also because there are things you can do about it. Yes, you can get rid of your moobs.
How? Well, it depends on how large they are and what the root cause is. The pectorals are muscle covered in fat, so if you reduce body fat while increasing muscle, it has the potential to reduce or eliminate the moob effect. Exercises that target the chest muscles will have the biggest impact.
However, if the issue is hormonal, exercise and diet will not be enough. First, the hormonal imbalance will need to be corrected. Then, a surgical procedure can correct the issues with the breast tissue.
Gynecomastia treatment options include liposuction and male breast reduction surgery. Liposuction is great when the issue is just fat deposits. In more severe cases, male breast reduction will remove the excess fat and skin, returning the chest to a more masculine look.
And there you have it: what causes moobs and how to get rid of them. You don’t have to give up your favorite brews, but maintaining your health can help you in the Battle of the Male Boob.
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