S1E56: Body image issues, mental health problems: Why are men afraid to seek help?

Jul 8, 2025

38:34

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Gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity may point to body image issues in men.

Synopsis: Every second Wednesday of the month, The Straits Times takes a hard look at Singapore's social issues of the day with guests.

Outdated stereotypes of what a man should be like continue to exist today, with a new generation of social media influencers like Andrew Tate and Adin Ross producing content that posits to teach men how to be men.

But does it make someone any less of a man if they decide to speak up about the issues they face?

For years, ST journalist Aqil Hamzah, 28, has grappled with body image issues, but was too afraid to seek help, thinking it wouldn’t be the manly thing to do.

Years of skipping meals took a toll on his health, and it was only after losing clumps of hair that he decided to seek help for it.

In this episode, ST assistant podcast editor Lynda Hong unpacks the issues that have plagued her co-host Aqil alongside psychiatrist Adrian Loh, who specialises in child and adolescent psychiatry.

The trio then discuss if toxic masculinity has a role to play in men’s unwillingness to speak up about their issues.

Highlights (click/tap above):

00:56 Why Aqil chose to open up about his issues

03:27 Is BMI an accurate indication for weight management?

08:50 Obsessing over the scales

21:21 What is toxic masculinity and how should people deal with it?

24:51 How role models repeat a vicious cycle & the different reactions to therapy

33:35 The importance of feeling things

Read Aqil’s article on body image here: https://str.sg/kuf8

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Follow Aqil Hamzah on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ttUo

Read his articles: https://str.sg/i5gS