A stark new report has uncovered a silent health crisis among men in the UK, with more than half deliberately ignoring potentially serious physical or mental health symptoms. This alarming trend of neglect is leading to four in ten men facing more severe health complications further down the line.
The Festive Health Slump
The survey, which polled 5,000 men across the nation, found that the problem intensifies during the festive season. A significant third of men admitted they typically let their health slide more over December. Contributing factors include a quarter being less likely to visit the gym in the cold, 63% indulging in more food, and 40% consuming more alcohol than at any other time of year.
Perhaps most concerning is that one in five men actively avoid visiting their GP during the holidays. Their primary reason is to avoid putting a damper on the celebrations for others and to prioritise Christmas preparations instead.
The 'Ostrich Approach' to Wellbeing
This widespread avoidance, dubbed the 'ostrich approach', is driven by several key factors. The report found that 47% of men simply hope the problem will vanish on its own, while 29% confess to being anxious about a potential diagnosis. A significant number also admit they are too embarrassed to seek professional help.
Currently, 15% of men cannot recall when they last had a general health check-up, and 17% believe it was over three years ago. Despite this neglect, 45% have current concerns about their physical health and 39% are worried about their mental wellbeing. Worryingly, 54% confessed that their first instinct when something feels wrong is to ignore it and hope it resolves itself.
Bridging the Gap with 'Health on the Shelf'
In response to these findings, the global hygiene and health company Essity, which commissioned the report, is taking action. The firm is rolling out a new 'Health on the Shelf' programme across its five UK production sites in Prudhoe, Manchester, Stubbins, Oakenholt, and Skelmersdale.
These sites are being kitted out with health stations where employees can easily check key metrics like blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, and risk of cardiovascular disease.
Gareth Lucy, a spokesperson for Essity, stated: "We are taking action to ensure our employees get a full health check before the festivities begin." To mark Men's Health Month this November, the company is offering free health checks to all its workers as a reminder to look after themselves and to send a clear message about the importance of addressing concerns promptly.
Lucy added, "It's worrying to think there are so many men out there quietly coping with a physical or mental health problem, without seeking any help at all. It is important men realise that it is completely acceptable to talk about health issues with others, and that quick thinking and quick action can often alleviate concerns very quickly."
The report also highlighted a generational divide. Older men were more likely to feel in control of their physical and mental state and felt more confident tackling issues as they arose. In contrast, men aged 18 to 24 were the most likely to brush off their mental health problems.
According to the research, the top health checks British men would like to have are:
- General health risk assessment
- Blood pressure
- Cancer risk
- Stress risk
- Weight and BMI
- Cardiovascular risk
- Heart age
- Body fat percentage
- Stroke risk
- Physical activity risk
