Body fever

Following the last post, let's write something about body. What? To write about body?? Yes, gays are mostly concerned with their bodies. They mostly love nice guys, good bodies, beautiful shapes... As I told in the last post it is quite undestandable, but sometimes is sad to see so many emptiness. I would like to say that outside package is just a small sample of what we have inside, but that is not truth. This paranoia with the image - I can even say obsession - is being sponsored by advertising, magazines and TV programmes. Suddently, everybody wants to be fit, trendy and look nice... even those who are not gays. But sometimes, emptiness is not the worst, and health problems can come. This what we can call «body fever» was for years a pressure to women. Now it is men's turn. If you don't believe, read below:

Male body image and physical insecurity are becoming an increasingly important issue in the gay community. We all want to look our best, especially when socializing or courting that cute boy, but preoccupation with our bodies can lead to several dangers traditionally associated only with women.
Around 5-10% of people with eating disorders are men. And 20% of those men are gay.
There are many professional theories that pin-point modern advertisements and media campaigns that portray the ideal man as lean, muscular and fat-free, much in the same way women (including lesbians) have been pressured over the years. Majority of magazine covers (such as Men's Health) and billboards (like Calvin Klein) give the perception of the ideal and desired man as one perfectly fit. For years women have lived with the pressure to be as thin as a Vogue or runway model. As a result, gays and lesbians alike flock to local spas to get a "mani" and a "pedi" and other treatments in an effort to look their best.
The gyms are filled with gays vying for a spot in front of the mirror in hopes the last workout or protein shake has paid off.
Staying fit and eating right can lead to a healthy lifestyle. Plus, who doesn't want to look their best? The problem arises when body image becomes a preoccupation that interferes with daily life, creating stress and anxiety.

So, I know we all try to look like this cute model, but that is not the most important. Health is not the same as muscles. Don't you agree?? [Please, say «Yes, I do»]

Photos are from the portuguese model Filipe Travessa.