Wondering how to get rid of man boobs? Don't worry; you don't need to buy a “Bro” or a “Manssiere” — just follow our helpful tips!
Gynecomastia, otherwise known as man boobs, is often linked to poor lifestyle choices, but there are ways to diagnose, treat and prevent it.
It's a condition that affects millions of men, so if you have them too, don’t get down on yourself.
But, excess weight is never good, and man boobs can be a particularly psychologically debilitating condition.
Are you nervous to take your shirt off in public?
Keep reading and learn how to get rid of man boobs once and for all!
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At the Fit Father Project, we specifically help busy men over 40 get back in shape by offering free information and resources on our website, backed up with our Fit Father 30X (FF30X) Program.
This article will teach you everything you need to know about how to get rid of man boobs, but we're here to help you make a whole slew of healthy and sustainable lifestyle changes that will last.
Everything we do here at the Fit Father Project aims to simplify eating and exercise for you, so you can get in great shape and stay strong and healthy for your family — without any unnecessary complications.
Sound good? Good. Let's dive in!
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is the medical term for males having breasts. In some cases, it only affects one side of the chest — not that it makes it any better!
Infants are sometimes born with gynecomastia, but it usually clears up on its own after a few months. The reason why they have it is that they acquire extra estrogen from their mother when in the womb. Once out in the world, that supply to all that external estrogen is cut off.
In adults, man boobs are created by swollen breast gland tissue.
Besides being embarrassing, they can even be a bit tender to the touch, and even downright painful.
What Causes Man Boobs?
This is when it can get a bit tricky, as there can be several causes of gynecomastia. The most common cause is being overweight or clinically obese, but there are other things to be aware of.
Obesity
For many of you suffering from man boobs, that excess weight could be the culprit.
Being overweight is the most likely candidate for what causes man boobs.
Fat tissue collects in the chest as well as the rest of your body. Imagine how your belly starts growing and sagging a bit with those extra pounds. The same is being done to your chest.
Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone that is associated mostly with women, as it helps develop breasts. Testosterone is the hormone that gives us men muscle mass, a deep voice, and even body hair.
Men also always have a bit of estrogen in their system, though, too. The trouble occurs when the estrogen level goes up inside the body of a man.
If the estrogen level rises, then there is a good chance that your testosterone is lowering. This is where those dreaded man boobs come into play.
Men that have too much estrogen will develop excess body fat and breasts. They also might not have the body hair that they used to.
There are several things that can bring on this hormone disbalance. Certain medications, including some anti-anxiety and antidepressants, while they may be prescribed to help with other medical conditions, can sometimes raise the estrogen level in your body.
But, there are certain foods you can eat as well that help block estrogen.
Aging
There is a medical reason that you were able to have sex a few times a day when you were younger, and now you can only have sex once a week. As we age, our testosterone levels will dip considerably.
Remember when Mr. Roper from the TV show Three’s Company always turned down his wife Helen’s advances? It used to be funny, but now you may sympathize with him!
A decline in testosterone as they age can cause a low sex drive in men — and man boobs, too!
Certain Plant Oils
Plants may also be what causes man boobs. Plant oils have gained traction in our society as more and more people use them under the term “essential oils” for air fresheners or some sort of aromatherapy.
However, studies have shown that certain plant oils, like lavender oil, can produce man boobs if used extensively enough because of the estrogen-like properties contained in them.
Applying it to the skin in excess amounts may make you smell like flowers, but on the other hand, it is not worth it if you have to acquire boobs in the process.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been growing in popularity in recent years. Being able to receive a testosterone injection every week to keep up our levels has been a godsend for many of us.
It is nothing short of a miracle as it gives us back our ability to have lean muscle mass, decrease body fat, and have the desire to have sex once again.
However, testosterone injection can also raise our estrogen levels.
If you are taking large amounts of testosterone and other steroids for bodybuilding or other purposes, just know that if precautions aren’t taken, it could lead to the growth of breast tissue.
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How To Get Rid Of Man Boobs
Here's the good news: man boobs don't have to be a life sentence. There are cures for the condition, so don’t feel like the world is closing in on you. If one doesn’t work, explore the other methods.
You won’t be forced to keep your shirt on forever.
The first step is to see a doctor. Your doctor may run some tests and determine what the primary cause is for it. Here are a few common ways that gynecomastia can be fixed.
Lose Weight
If you know your saggy man boobs have manifested themselves because of extra weight, then losing that extra poundage can help resolve the problem. Change your lifestyle around and incorporate exercise into a healthy diet.
The more weight you lose, the better your chest will appear.
Plus, there are other benefits to losing all that weight, like living longer and being able to spend more active time with your family. Being obese is more than just what causes man boobs. It can be a real drag on your overall life and health.
Medications
Since the primary cause of your man boobs is estrogen, it makes sense that if you lower the level of that hormone in your body, it will fix itself.
There are many medications that are estrogen blockers, but you will need a prescription. If your man boobs are present because of steroids, these medications could definitely help the situation.
While a quick Google search will yield many over-the-counter supplements that claim to be estrogen blockers, you're always better off talking to your doctor and avoiding things like that, which often end up being nothing more than snake oil.
Surgery
If all else fails, surgery can remove those man boobs pretty easily. There are two options for gynecomastia surgery.
One type of surgery would be liposuction. With liposuction, the extra breast fat is removed.
There is also the option of getting a mastectomy. With this surgery, they remove the breast gland tissue entirely. It can be accomplished endoscopically, so recovery time is quick.
Again, consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment for you.
Remember, It Could Be Worse
Gynecomastia happens to the best of us. But now you know what causes man boobs to appear and how to fix the problem.
While it is an embarrassing disorder, it is correctable.
More often than not, it will go away on its own once you follow a healthy diet. If it doesn’t, medication could help, and the last option would probably be surgery.
If you are concerned about it because your chest is a bit puffy and possibly sore, go see a doctor. Doctors have heard everything possible and seen it all. You won’t surprise them if you say you are concerned about your man boobs.
Keep your chin up, and take care of it!
See how noticing his man boobs was a low point — and a turning point — for Fit Father Joe, and what he did to get rid of them!
After watching his own Dad lose his health and pass away at the young age of 42, Dr. Balduzzi founded The Fit Father Project and Fit Mother Project to help busy dads and moms get and stay healthy for their families. Dr. Anthony Balduzzi holds dual degrees in Psychology & Nutrition from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, and is also a former national champion bodybuilder. He’s is most proud of the fact that he’s helped over 40,000 families in over 100 countries lose weight and get healthy for life.Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother ProjectFounder, Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project
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*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary from individual to individual; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice – simply very well-researched info on how to get rid of man boobs.