How to Get Rid of Man Boobs

Let's face it. Having man boobs, or "moobs," is an uncomfortable and embarrassing experience. Man boobs can be difficult to hide during simple activities such as changing at the gym, hitting the pool or the beach for a swim, and in romantic relationships. While man boobs generally aren't a serious health problem, they can be tough to cope with.

There are two main reasons guys get man boobs:

First, they can be caused a hormonal condition, called gynecomastia, in which the body produces an increased amount of estrogen and a decreased amount of testosterone. There are several things that can upset the hormone balance, including: natural hormone changes (as in during puberty and for men between ages 50 and 80 associated with aging), medications, and certain health conditions. In about 25 percent of cases, says staff at the Mayo Clinic, the cause of gynecomastia is never found. 

  • The medications that can cause gynecomstia include:anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam (Valium), tricyclic antidepressants, antiobiotics, ulcer medications, heart medications, AIDS medications, cancer medications, chemotherapy, and anti-androgens used to treat prostate enlargement.

  • Substances that can cause include: anabolic steroids and androgens, alcohol, amphetamines, marijuana, and heroin.

  • Health conditions that can cause gynecomstia include: hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, tumors, kidney failure, liver failure, malnutrition, and aging.

The second cause of man boobs comes from simply being overweight. Some guys collect extra fat on their stomachs, while some collect it on their chest. And when fat collects on your chest, this gives the appearance of having man boobs.gynecomastia and is not the same as gynecomastia. This is called pseudogynecomastia or false

How to Get Rid of Man Boobs

In the cases of gynecomastia, most times if will go away on its own (within 6 months to 3 years). However, if gynecomastia is caused by an underlying health condition, that condition may need treatment.

In the cases where gynecomastia doesn't improve on it's own, or is causing significant pain, tenderness, or embarrassment here's what you can do:

  • If you are taking a medication that is causing gynecomstia, talk to your doctor about stopping the medication or substituting another medication.
  • Talk to your doctor about the medications available to balance your hormone levels, thereby reducing gynecomstia.
  • If the above two treatments are not working, surgery is an option. The two choices are liposuction or mastectomy. Talk to your doctor.
  • Gain control over your diet. Eat healthy, wholesome, fresh foods.
  • Commit to a regular exercise program. In order to remove fat deposits from your body, you have to adhere to a cardio and strength-training workout program.  Consider interval training, running, rowing, and weightlifting.

How to Prevent Man Boobs

If you don't have man boobs, but are concerned that you might be at risk, the Mayo Clinic recommends the following to reduce your risk:

  • Don't use illicit drugs. Examples include steroids and androgens, amphetamines, heroin, and marijuana.
  • Avoid alcohol. Don't drink, or drink very little.
  • Review your medications. If you're taking medication known to cause gynecomastia, ask your doctor if there are other choices.

Note: If you do notice signs that man boobs may be developing, contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation to halt any further progress.



Sources:

Braunstein GD. Management of Gynecomastia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 11, 2010.

Mayo Clinic Staff. Gynecomastia. MayoClinic.com. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gynecomastia/DS00850. Accessed March 11, 2010.