Barriers to healthy eating amongst men: A qualitative analysis

Currently, little is known about the meanings men attach to food or to the links between food and health. The burgeoning literature on menʹs health highlights forms of masculinity (e.g. risk-taking, invulnerability) as a factor (negatively) influencing menʹs health practices. The aim of this study was to provide an analysis of menʹs accounts of food and health using concepts pertaining to masculinity. We report on a qualitative analysis of a dataset comprising 24 interviews with UK men from a range of age and social class groups. Our findings suggest two principal barriers to healthy eating in men: cynicism about government health messages and a rejection of healthy food on grounds of poor taste and inability to satisfy. These findings are discussed in relation to masculine ideals such as rationality, autonomy and strength. The implications of our analysis for future research and menʹs health promotion policy are discussed.