A huge range of factors can influence how long we live, from genetics and illnesses to diet and exercise habits.
According to research, the shape of our bodies can also have an impact. More specifically, men with a particular characteristic on their chest could be at risk of dying earlier.
A new study, published in the British Medical Journal, found that men with enlarged breast tissue – sometimes referred to as “man boobs” – were more likely to die before the age of 75.
This condition is known medically as gynaecomastia and differs from pseudo gynaecomastia, which is caused by being overweight or obese.
Usually it is the result of a hormone imbalance and is thought to affect around 30 percent of men in the UK.
As part of the research, conducted by scientists at the University of Copenhagen, they analysed data on more than 20,000 men with gynaecomastia.
These participants were diagnosed between 1995 and 2021.
The study concluded that men with gynaecomastia have a 37 percent increased risk of early death from any cause compared to those without the condition.
Doctor Anders Juul, from the university team, explained: “Males diagnosed with gynaecomastia are at higher risk of death, observed mainly in males with a known pre-existing risk factor of gynaecomastia.
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“These findings will hopefully stimulate more awareness among healthcare providers to potentially apply interventions that aid in alleviating underlying risk factors in males with this condition.”
Men with a known pre-existing condition are 75 percent more likely to develop the condition compared to men who do not.
The most commonly linked conditions include pre-existing cancers, as well as circulatory, lung, and diseases that affect the gut.
But the study found that neurological diseases were actually linked to a 29 percent lower risk.
The NHS lists hormonal imbalance as a key cause of gynaecomastia.
“Gynaecomastia can be caused by an imbalance between the sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen,” the health body says.
“Oestrogen causes breast tissue to grow. While all men produce some oestrogen, they usually have much higher levels of testosterone, which stops the oestrogen from causing breast tissue to grow.
“If the balance of hormones in the body changes, this can cause a man’s breasts to grow. Sometimes, the cause of this imbalance is unknown.”
These hormones can be affected by puberty and older age. Newborn babies can also temporarily experience gynaecomastia due to oestrogen passing through the placenta.
Other rare causes of gynaecomastia include:
- Side effects of medicine – such as anti-ulcer drugs or medicine for heart disease
- Illegal drugs – such as cannabis or anabolic steroids
- Alcohol misuse
- A health condition – such as kidney failure or liver disease
- Klinefelter syndrome (a rare genetic disorder)
- Lumps or infections in the testicles.
If you think you have the condition or you are worried about breast tissue growth – then contact your GP for treatment.
Treatment options include:
- Medication to adjust a hormone imbalance
- Surgery to remove the excess breast tissue.
