The state of men’s health and the lifestyles of Americans in 2024 were a mixed bag. Despite some progress, surveys show many men do not act like they are concerned about their health – despite saying they are.
Mixed. That’s how I’d characterize the state of men’s health and the lifestyles of Americans in 2024. There were hints that young men are now open to mental health care, and the push to revise the nation’s dietary guidelines advanced. Funding for social prescriptions got a financial boost from the federal government, and weight-loss drugs contributed to a drop in obesity rates for the first time in a decade, while prompting an uptick in doctor visits.
Despite this progress, surveys showed that men continue to say they are concerned about their health, despite not acting like it. The crisis among boys and men in America grew in prominence, and traditional masculinity was on full display in the presidential election with studies showing that classic mindsets of manliness remain anchored in the American male psyche.
The upside: Men are historically averse to any medical intervention, and mental health has been particularly taboo. Research shows that younger men are slightly more open to mental health care than prior generations. Scientists at the Cleveland Clinic found that among men, 59% of millennials and Generation Z would be open to seeking mental health care compared to 53% of Generation X and baby boomers. It’s a small but important step forward.
Recently, the U.S. 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee recommended Americans eat less red and processed meats and more beans, peas, and lentils. The committee moved these plant-based proteins from the vegetable foods group to the protein foods group, listing plant-sourced protein above animal sources such as seafood, meats, poultry, and eggs. While pushback came from the meat industry, this change is significant.
Finally, a recap of 2024 must include a reference to GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Reports indicate that the U.S. adult obesity rate dropped for the first time in a decade, suggesting that these drugs, along with demographic and behavioral changes, contributed to this positive outcome.
However, from the category of nothing new, most men continue to say their health is a concern but take few actions to ensure their longevity. According to a survey from the Cleveland Clinic, large percentages of men do not get an annual physical or recommended screenings for cancer and other health conditions.
A troubling trend that gained attention this year is the growing crisis among boys and men. For boys, the concern is an educational achievement gap with girls that has long-term effects on their health. Doing poorly at school is strongly associated with major challenges later in life, including addiction, mental and physical health problems, and involvement with the criminal justice system.
As 2024 transitions into 2025, it’s crucial that we embrace the small wins while keeping our eyes wide open to the challenges we face in maintaining a lifestyle that will bring us the health and happiness that we all want. It’s a journey for the long haul, but one that continues. Have a happy and healthy New Year!
Source: PhillyVoice
