The majority of men are complacent and uninformed about their greatest health risks, according to a recent survey by concierge medicine firm MDVIP and Ipsos.  Over half of the men (55%) surveyed say they're okay with a "dad bod" – the characteristic paunchy physique that men can develop with age and that women reportedly desire. Moreover, a staggering 94% of men failed a Men's Health IQ Quiz, which tested their knowledge on the common health issues that affect men.

US statistics on men's health show 3 of 4 men are overweight or obese and 1 in 3 have some form of cardiovascular disease, according to MDVIP.  Yet, 84% of men rated their health as "excellent" or "good" in the survey, suggesting that most men believe they're in better shape than they are.

Men with a dad bod at every age typically carry excess belly fat, known as visceral fat, which surrounds vital organs and increases their risk for serious medical conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and certain cancers. Even at a normal body weight, the more fat men carry around their midsection, the more likely they are to die prematurely.

Half of respondents said they're concerned about their mental health (49%), but 3 in 5 have never discussed depression with their doctor (61%), and over 2 in 5 have never been screened for stress, anxiety or depression (43%).

Nearly half said they’re concerned about their sexual health/function (45%), but most fell short on knowing the facts about low testosterone (Low T) and erectile dysfunction (ED). Specifically, 57% never had, or don't know if they've had, their testosterone levels checked; 71% didn’t know ED is a warning sign of heart disease; and 36% incorrectly believed ED is usually caused by Low T.

Take the men’s health IQ quiz here

Download an infographic, “The truth about men’s health,” here

 

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