Men wish they could bend like Beckham

Monday January 24th, 2011

Footballer David Beckham is 35 and still playing - and most British men see him as a physical role model, according to a new survey.

And most fall well short of their ideal, according to the survey of some 500 men conducted for NHS Choices during National Obesity Week.

As many as 40 per cent of men admit to being "well-rounded" - with a belly bigger than their chest.

Asked which men represented the ideal body, some 50 per cent plumped for Beckham and another 30 per cent for Hollywood action hero Will Smith.

And just six per cent chose controversial comic Russell Brand, fewer than chose comedian Ricky Gervais.

Researchers found 63 per cent of men said they had tried to lose weight, mostly to improve their health and fitness.

About one in six said they wanted to improve their shape to be "more attractive" or to have more confidence.

Bristol GP Dr Knut Schroeder said small changes in lifestyle could help to improve waist size.

He said: "Having a waist larger than your chest puts men at higher risk of diabetes and other weight related illnesses.

"I always urge my patients to try and make small changes to their lifestyle, like swapping unhealthy snacks for more healthy ones, drinking less and starting an exercise plan."

A second survey, published today, finds that more than half of all Britons regard themselves as overweight.

Some 54 per cent in total admitted to being a little tubby - with 60 per cent of women saying this was a problems.

Researchers found that just 15 per cent would consider going on a diet - but some two-thirds admitted they should exercise more.

The findings, from the on-line Philips Index, show that nearly half of those who are overweight say it affects their general levels of well-being.

Tags: Diet & Food | Fitness | Men’s Health | UK News

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