The mid-life crisis can affect men in more ways than we imagine, and diet is one area that we don’t readily associate with this age group. On the contrary, middle aged men can suffer from very high anxiety levels, and their weight is one of the things that is to blame.

A third of middle-aged men are now considered to be obese, and 73% all together are overweight. This particular study also claims that men are more likely to suffer weight related health issues than women.

Researchers believe there is a difference because men and women store fat differently.Women store their fat on the hipsbuttocks and thighs, whereas men store it around the abdominal area which means they have a much higher level of visceral fat, the fat that collects around the internal organs, which has been linked to heart disease.

Being overweight can also affect a man’s libido and fertility, reaserch has revealed that being overweight can knock 4 years off the lifespan. Middle aged men are also the least happy in the population, and how you feel can affect food and lifestyle choices.

The current fitness industry is teeming with superfit personal trainers which can also make many men feel bad about themselves instead of having the effect of wanting to improve.

Diet programmes from some of the bigger companies are now being aimed more towards men, which is vital in overcoming barriers to weight loss.