As new figures show a third of UK men are so overweight they are unable to see their genitals due to belly overhang, medics are encouraging men to make one potentially lifesaving resolution and weigh up their health risks.
The shocking new research indicates that 33% of men in Britain aged between 35 and 60 years are unable to see their manhood when standing upright and looking downwards due to a protruding belly; increasing to 44% in men aged 51-60 years.
These figures highlight that more than 5.6 million men in Britain are potentially dangerously overweight, are at risk of knocking up to 9 years off their lifespan and of suffering from a life threatening weight related illness such as stroke, diabetes and heart disease.
In light of the new findings, and with men renowned for ignoring matters to do with their health, a new online men’s health resource – We Love Our Health – is launching the ‘Big Check’ Campaign. The initiative, backed by leading medical professionals, hopes to encourage men to make one simple, yet potentially lifesaving health check – by asking “Can you see your penis?”
Dr Johan du Plessis, comments: “This new research is really worrying and men must be encouraged to wake up to the potential life threatening risks of being overweight and to make this vital check. An obese man who can’t see his penis is five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, three times more likely to develop cancer of the colon and more than two and a half times more likely to develop high blood pressure – a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease.”
For a simple guide to taking a quick DIY health measurement, follow the Big Check instructions at WeLoveOurHealth.co.uk. Dependent on the results, the site’s Health Risk Calculator will highlight areas of concern and will offer advice, support and suggestions to improve lifestyle and overall health.