In these and other cases, men who fall outside the perceived norms of hegemonic masculinity are subordinated and positioned as repulsive subhumans who are categorically unattractive to all women. They are positioned as permanently subordinated (Connell 1995) and ostracised from the hegemonic masculinity that they are pursuing. In these conversations, looksmaxxing resembles an echo chamber of masculine demoralisation rather than a self‐improvement community. In these cases, members use pictures of other men to weaponise the hegemonic masculine gaze, with even apparent ‘success stories’ being positioned as inferior to an idealised masculine body. In this section, we argue that looksmaxxing instead negatively impacts men's and boys' health and self‐worth. We further argue that, despite the community's apparently supportive aims, it leverages lookism and hegemonic ideals against men, such that they view their physical appearance as being responsible for the troubles in their lives.
Furthermore, men who practice bonesmashing would experience health consequences (e.g., bleeding, bruising, and soft tissue damage) as they are explicitly aiming to damage their bones to shape their appearance. For example, after User 7 complains about his face looking too juvenile, another user jokes that he could always ‘bonesmash’ with User 7 replying, ‘I do bone smash’. Users suggest that bone smashing can produce a more masculine and defined jaw or orbital region. We also observed a user who reported sleeping on his side, wearing a backpack and with his bed on a decline to ensure that he mews throughout his sleep. Users argue this technique will change their face over time, producing a more masculine jaw.
When we look at the symptoms of low testosterone in men, it isn’t surprising that there is a tendency for the development of a lack of self-confidence. Below, we will explore how testosterone might influence mental health. Low testosterone affects mental health, and it isn’t limited to older men.
Moreover, managing stress through mindfulness practices, adequate sleep, and relaxation techniques can help maintain healthy testosterone levels. There are several ways to naturally boost testosterone levels to benefit cognitive and psychological health. Addressing these levels is crucial not only for physical health but also for maintaining mental resilience and stability. Low levels of testosterone in men have been linked to various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and a general decrease in quality of life. Men with optimal testosterone levels often report better concentration abilities and a sharper mental focus, which are critical in today’s fast-paced world where cognitive demands are high. First, we argue that men's commitments to hegemonic masculinity can compel health behaviours and interventions if such interventions are seen as conferring masculinity (see also Denham 2008). Courtenay's (2000a, 2000b) theory arguing that commitments to hegemonic masculinity damage men's health has received both critique and support (Quaglia 2020; Ratcliffe, Kanaan and Galdas 2023).
This wards off heart-related health problems while reducing your risk for ED. A healthy diet helps keep blood pressure down and blood vessels open, making blood flow easier. High blood pressure and high cholesterol are risk factors for many health conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. This could be lifting weights, bodyweight exercises, or heavy-duty yard work. The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.
We further suggest that this is particularly salient for men who see their engagement with masculinity as precarious. They are also subject to masculine demoralisation, which positions them as failed men and encourages self‐harm. After receiving such evaluations, men report engaging in substantial, expensive and potentially harmful health interventions.
Regular exercise can improve your sexual health while preventing obesity and cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity improves sexual function. If you want professional help, a mental health care provider can offer guidance. Open discussions about your sex life are a fundamental part of a healthy relationship. Lifestyle plays a fundamental role in sex health and erectile function. Harvard Health Publishing provides trustworthy, evidence-based health content with the authority you demand and the impact you need. Remember, seeking support and guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial in managing low testosterone effectively.

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