Man Boobs – Moobs – it’s Gynaecomastia Actually

The illustration above is how the world views this problem, poking fun at something that is a very real, embarassing and serious condition for some men.

Gynaecomastia is a harmless male condition where the mammary glands develop abnormally resulting in breast enlargement. It literally translates from the Greek as “Women Breasts”. Although a physically harmless condition it can have damaging psychological effects, causing embarassment and depression.

Teenage years can be difficult enough without the added complications of developing breasts. In his article for The Guardian Matt Cornell tells of the suffering he endured at the hands of cruel bullies. He also talks of the shame and the embarrassment he felt, eventually loathing activities like PE and swimming where there was nowhere for him to hide his condition. This unfortunately adds to the cycle; excess weight makes the condition more prominent but the embarrassment of being the “fat kid with tits” running around was too much for him to bare.

Fortunately when he hit 19 he made a concerted effort to lose weight. The teenage growth hormones had reached a plateau and he was able to undergo a cosmetic surgery procedure to remove the excess breast tissue. A half moon incision was made under each nipple and the tissue removed, followed by liposuction. Finally he looked “normal” and was thrilled with the results. The emotional scars may take more time to heal.