Men worry just as much as women about figure

London: Convention has it that women worry most about their bodies. Men, however, are just as concerned, suffering the same lack of confidence about their shape - be it a tomato, brick, snowman or nacho.

Hundreds were asked to give details of their figures, allowing researchers to identify seven types among British males.

Olympic swimmer Tom Daley’s toned torso shows off the triangular “nacho”, with his broad shoulders and slim waist. Although the look is popular with women, only five per cent of men thought they lived up to this muscular ideal.

The biggest group - 49 per cent - admitted being a “pear” like comedian Michael McIntyre, carrying a little extra round their middle.

The most coveted shape was a “cucumber”, the lean figure sported by former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff.

Although 46 per cent wanted this, only 15 per cent managed it.

The “brick” or generally broad all over figure similar to pop star Robbie Williams applied to nine per cent of the 1,500 men quizzed by menswear retailer Jacamo. On the chubby side were the one in ten who confessed to being a “tomato” like television presenter Eamonn Holmes.

Fewer than five per cent were at the extremes of the “snowman” - with the rounded chest and belly of Robbie Coltrane - or the skinny physique of a “string bean” like cycling champion Bradley Wiggins.

Few of the men surveyed were happy with their shape, with almost half admitting they needed to lose weight. In fact, almost three-quarters hated their body, proving that it is not just women who feel self-conscious about their looks.

Professor Brendan Gough, a psychologist at Leeds Metropolitan University, said modern men care much more about their appearance than previous generations.

“We live in a world where appearance is very important for guys - in work, relationships and well-being,” he added. “Few live up to the models on magazine covers, but more are moisturising, tanning and even wearing make-up. When men look good, they feel good.”

The survey found that men felt at their physical best aged 28. But, as they aged, they lost confidence and some even suffered depression about the way they looked.

Many felt pressure from magazines to look good but most admitted poor diets and lack of exercise stopped them having a better body.