For years women have struggled with the media’s definition of beauty. From supermodels to Hollywood actresses, the body image issue has waged war with womankind since forever. But what about the guys? If you think being a man is a cakewalk, you’d be surprised - men have body image issues, too. Whether it’s fact or fiction, there are a number of things men constantly judge themselves about.

1. Being seen as sexy. You may think that a majority of men don’t care about what they look like and often roll out of bed and start their day. Not true. More men than ever (of all ages) are growing more and more concerned about being seen as sexy/attractive to the female species. The media also has its share of hunky beefcakes in magazines, cologne advertisements and in movies. While they may not outwardly show it, many men compare themselves and wonder if they measure up.

2. Going bald. The thought of having a (gasp) bald spot like their father or grandfather before them is enough to make any man cower in fear. If you want to see denial, look at a guy with a bad hairpiece. Surprisingly, men tend to be quite sensitive about the hair on their heads or the lack of it. Millions of dollars are spent each year on hair growth products, hairpieces and other alternatives of trying to conceal a bald spot. Many men believe that having hair loss will automatically make them unattractive or less desirable. This also includes gray hairs.

3. Aging. Only in the past few years have men really started to care about anti-aging and skincare products. In the attempt to be seen as desirable by women, men are now becoming more and more concerned with how they age. While female skincare and cosmetics continue to draw the most in sales, there are definitely more skincare and cosmetic lines targeted at the male consumer than ever before. Men are now right there next to their girlfriends and wives in the mirror checking for crow’s feet or wrinkles.

4. Body hair. From facial hair to body hair, more and more men are shying away from the Grizzly Adams look. Most believe that women like their men smooth as a baby’s bottom and will do anything to avoid being “gross.” This has resulted in a growing interest in hair removal techniques. Many men are now signing up for waxing sessions at local spas and salons. Even tweezing facial hair and shaving is common among men.

5. Penis size & the sex drive. Well, what man wouldn’t be concerned about the size of his penis? For men, penis size is not only tied to their ego, but to their sexual prowess as well. To top off that pressing body image concern, men also tend to worry about their sexual abilities. From women’s magazines touting what men need to do to “rock their world” to the gossip from girlfriends and wives, many men hope they can satisfy their mate.

6. Eating disorders. If you thought only women suffer from eating disorders, think again. Men also take their body images seriously to the point where they suffer from bulimia and anorexia. The numbers may not be as high as that of women, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

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