When we talk about the need to foster positive body image, it’s usually in relation to women and girls.
But the truth is men and boys need support, too. According to a recent study, a quarter of boys aged eight to 18 believe there is a “perfect male body” type.
That’s why we are huge supporters of Pedro M Flores Jr, whose attitude to his appearance is something we can all learn from.
Pedro, who describes himself as a fat, feminist father-of-two, once suffered from eating disorders.
But now he offers an antidote to the sea of ripped muscles and male body image pressure, with his uplifting Instagram posts that promote a healthy attitude to appearance and life.
”Be positive in yourself no matter what size, age, gender, ethnicity or flavour you are! I guarantee you somebody thinks you’re beautiful,” he posted.
Writing on Instagram he explains that he once weighed 375lbs, but lost weight in his final year of high school. It was then, he says that he started to become unwell.
He was anorexic and bulimic, suffering from anxiety, depression and a lack of self-esteem.
After taking some time to reflect on his thoughts and behaviour, although he doesn’t go in to detail, he says he has now finally changed his attitudes to his body.
“I changed myself, my perspective on life and the way I viewed my own physique. Mentally, it took some time and sure I gained some weight back but I finally found my true self!”
He adds: “Currently, I may not be skinny, thin or “’fit’ or buff but why get a six pack when you can party with a keg? It’s who I am & IDGAF what others may think or say about me or my views because I’m happy with myself now. I’m not here to judge anyone by their weight and I definitely CANNOT appreciate anyone who does.”
Pedro’s story was publicised by body positivity champion and model, Megan Jayne Crabbe, who has a huge Instagram following.
“LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOYS! Because us big guys need some bopo loving too!” she wrote, adding: “Definitely feeling myself!”
Male Body Image Heroes
James Corden(01 of07)
Open Image ModalHe stripped off in an underwear advert spoof alongside David Beckham. The message: "Beauty is skin deep, it's underneath that counts."He also wrote an open letter which was published by Glamour magazine in which he asks people to accept themselves for who they are. "Respect your body. It is what it is, so embrace it," he wrote. "Love every scar, ripple, and imperfection, and you won’t need others to do it for you." (credit:FOX via Getty Images)
David Beckham(02 of07)
Open Image ModalDavey B stars alongside James Corden in the underwear spoof for D&J briefs to promote healthy body image and the idea that beauty is only skin deep. (credit:J. Countess via Getty Images)
Prince Fielder(03 of07)
Open Image ModalFielder is a baseball player for the Texas Rangers who was featured on the front page of ESPN magazine, naked. The photograph of him was attacked on social media. The baseball player has since spoken out and said that just because a person is plus-size, it doesn't mean they can't be athletic.In an interview with ESPN.com, he said: “A lot of people probably think I’m not athletic or don’t even try to work out or whatever, but I do. Just because you’re big doesn’t mean you can’t be an athlete. And just because you work out doesn’t mean you’re going to have a 12-pack. I work out to make sure I can do my job to the best of my ability. Other than that, I’m not going up there trying to be a fitness model.” (credit:Ronald Martinez via Getty Images)
Matt McGorry(04 of07)
Open Image ModalThe Orange Is The New Black star spoke openly about his body concerns during his first shirtless scene on OITNB. He told Yahoo: "I was obsessively dieting, and when I saw that scene before the show ever came out, I thought I had blown it. I was like, 'Oh no! I didn't get as lean as I could've'. But then the show came out, and no one said anything negative about it, and it's funny because from one perspective you could say, 'Oh, he's letting himself go,' but from another perspective, I just don't need that validation I once did."I still love working out, and I think it's good for my health, and I feel good doing it. But I think with mental health, allowing myself to be who I am naturally in terms of my body, I think that's sort of practicing more self-love that way." (credit:Jennifer Lourie via Getty Images)
Gok Wan(05 of07)
Open Image ModalThe presenter is an advocate for body confidence in both men and women. He has been incredibly open about his struggles with obesity growing up. He presented a show called Gok's Teens: The Naked Truth, which looked at body image in young people. He also launched a campaign to get body image classes taught in schools across the country. (credit:Dave M. Benett via Getty Images)
Ben Cohen(06 of07)
Open Image ModalRobert Pattinson(07 of07)
Open Image ModalThe Twilight actor has been open about his struggles with Body Dysmorphia (BDD), an obsessive anxiety disorder which is characterised by the individual's preoccupation with flaws in his or her appearance which are unnoticeable to others.In the process, he's helped raise awareness of the disorder among men. (credit:Jason Kempin via Getty Images)