More men than ever before are turning to the internet to lose weight and stay healthy.
tescodiets.com has seen a staggering 200% increase in the number of men signing up to its service over the last six months. In response to this, the website is launching a new tailored version of its site – www.tescodiets.com/forhim
Until now, it has been very difficult for man to find a suitable way to lose weight as the diet industry is so targeted towards women, despite the fact that two thirds of men in the UK are clinically overweight compared to just over half of women, according to the National Obesity Forum.
And the lethal problem of obesity is growing 50 per cent faster in men than women. Despite this, surveys show that men are only about half as likely as women to make the effort to slim.
Catherine Ambrozewicz, Head of tescodiets.com, says: "Losing weight is a very sensitive issue for many men. They have a completely different mindset, not least that they hate the word diet.
"There is a lot of peer pressure for men to be one of the guys and unfortunately it appears to be a less than a manly activity to be seen to be losing weight.
"Online, men can lose weight in private without having to endure the embarrassment of the weekly weigh in."
The new version of the website will use male specific language and images, unlike many slimming websites which are aimed primarily at women.
Catherine Ambrozewicz says: The new site offers men-friendly meal plans – such as the Gi diet – specially modified to allow moderate amounts of alcohol and the occasional curry or fry up.
"In addition, the service provides men with comprehensive weekly menus and shopping lists, so much of the thinking and organising is done for them."
tescodiets.com/forhim will take into account the fundamental differences men and women have when it come to weight loss, not least in the motivation for wanting to lose weight in the first place.
Catherine Ambrozewicz says: "It is not unusual for a woman to sign up to our service because she wants to look better in her bikini or little black dress, or slim into her dream wedding dress.
"For men, the reasons are entirely different. Sixty five percent of our male subscribers are aged over thirty five and many have had a wake up call with regards to their health. The importance of health will be reflected in the new men only website."
The other top reasons for embarking on a weight loss plan for men and women are:
| Men | Women |
|---|---|
| Health | Lack of confidence |
| Appearance | Appearance |
| Maintaining Weight | Wanting to get into wedding dress/bikini/other |
| Want to take part in sport/exercise | To lose baby weight |
| Lack of confidence | Health |
Dr David Haslam, Chair of the National Obesity Forum, says:
"We welcome the news that men are increasingly being offered appropriate help and structured support with regards to their weight and its impact on their health. We are also encouraged to learn that men are taking action to improve their quality and length of life and we wish the men’s version of the website well."
For more information contact Sam Westcott
email sam.westcott@gmail,com