UK Men’s Health in Crisis? Startling Stats You Can’t Ignore!

For the first time, the UK government is going to launch a men's health strategy for men's health. Reason- Health experts say that men's health is much worse than women. According to researchers at Leeds Beckett University, the average age of men is four years less than women and the chances of dying by the age of 75 are 60% higher. The suicide rate is also high in men. Out of every four suicides, three are committed by men.

This is 75%. Mark Brooks, health advisor of the UK government, said that the average age of men in the poorest areas is 10 years less than in rich areas. At the same time, the risk of dying before 75 years is 3.5 times more. In many countries including Britain and India, the rate of blood pressure in men is higher than in women. In both developed and developing nations, including Britain and India, the trend of men leading unhealthy lifestyles is clear. Data shows that men are far more likely than women to engage in risky behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use. These habits, coupled with high rates of hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), significantly increase the risk of life-threatening diseases.




The government’s decision to focus on men’s health is in response to a number of serious health challenges that disproportionately affect men: Men die at a younger age than women. Data shows that the average life expectancy of men is four years younger than women, and men are 60% more likely to die before the age of 75. Suicide rates are alarmingly high among men. Gender disparities in suicide rates are a serious concern, with men accounting for 75% of suicides globally. Mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are often under-reported or not adequately addressed in men, partly due to cultural norms around masculinity that discourage men from seeking help.

Men face higher rates of hypertension (high blood pressure) than women. This condition is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Studies conducted in both the U.K. and India show that men are more likely to experience high blood pressure than women, which contributes to higher rates of cardiovascular disease and premature death in men. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity are more prevalent in men. A combination of poor lifestyles, inadequate healthcare access, and social factors contribute to these chronic health conditions, which further increase the risk of premature death.

Men’s health has long been an overlooked issue, but experts are now sounding the alarm about the growing gap between male and female health outcomes. Prof White’s recent statement sheds light on an often-ignored truth: men are less health-literate, and this lack of awareness is contributing to serious health issues that could be avoided with early intervention. As the UK government launches its first-ever Men's Health Strategy, it’s time to understand why men are falling behind in their health, and what can be done to fix it. According to Prof White, men’s health literacy is alarmingly low.
This means that men are less likely to recognize early symptoms of illness or seek medical advice when they should. While women have regular interactions with healthcare services for reasons like contraception, cervical screenings, and childbirth, men often go for years without seeing a doctor unless they are seriously ill. This lack of engagement with healthcare creates a barrier to identifying health problems early, leading to preventable diseases becoming much harder to treat.
Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping men’s attitudes toward health. Traditional notions of masculinity encourage men to be stoic, self-reliant, and to avoid expressing vulnerability. These societal expectations often discourage men from seeking help when they are struggling, whether it's physical pain or emotional distress. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress are often underreported and untreated because of the stigma surrounding them.


Mark Brooks, the UK government’s health advisor, emphasizes that the health disparities between men and women are not just the result of biological factors but also social and economic influences. Brooks highlights a stark contrast in life expectancy based on socio-economic status. Men living in the poorest areas of the UK have an average life expectancy that is 10 years shorter than men in wealthier areas. Additionally, the risk of dying before the age of 75 is 3.5 times greater in the most disadvantaged communities. These disparities are compounded by factors such as access to healthcare, education, employment, and lifestyle choices.

The UK’s new health strategy acknowledges that the challenges men face vary greatly depending on their socio-economic status, and it aims to provide tailored interventions that address the unique needs of different groups. The strategy will likely include increased support for men in disadvantaged areas, as well as policies aimed at reducing health inequalities across the country. The health disparities between men and women are undeniable, with men experiencing higher rates of premature death, chronic disease, and mental health struggles. The launch of the UK’s Men’s Health Strategy is an important step towards addressing these issues, but more needs to be done to tackle the root causes of men’s health challenges.