We asked 8 men their biggest health fear – then got an expert to answer them

When it comes to health, men have a bit of a reputation for adopting a 'head in the sand' approach, hoping that if a problem is ignored long enough, it will simply disappear. But, silence can be dangerous. In the UK, around 15 men die prematurely every hour, often from conditions that could have been prevented or treated earlier. From worries about ageing and fitness, to disease and mental wellbeing, these concerns are real – yet too often they go unspoken.

In this article, we’re opening up the conversation around men’s health. We’ll explore the real worries men often think about but rarely discuss, from heart health and degenerative diseases to stress and nutrition. The aim? To show that these concerns are both valid and common – and that with the right support and small lifestyle shifts, men can take charge of their wellbeing with confidence.

"Heart disease runs in my family"

Frank, 27, Cork

Heart disease is my biggest health concern because it runs in my family. My grandfather had severe heart problems throughout his life, including a triple bypass and several heart attacks, and I’ve been told I have a slightly irregular heartbeat. I usually feel fine, but sometimes my heart skips a beat or doubles up, which feels strange, almost like a reset.

It doesn’t affect my daily life, but it does make me more conscious about looking after myself. I gave up smoking recently and I’m cutting back on alcohol and processed foods. I exercise regularly too, which I’m sure helps. One common misconception is that heart disease only affects older people. In reality, it can be hereditary and often develops over time, so taking care of your heart when you’re young really matters.

When it comes to advice, I follow a mix of nutritional websites and Instagram accounts. The same themes often recur – olive oil, ginger, vegetables, fruit and eating earlier in the evening, as well as avoiding heavy carbs and refined sugars. I chat to my parents about heart health now and then, but not really with friends. It’s hardly pub talk, after all.

Dr Chintal's advice

Family history is a significant factor in heart health and it is sensible to think preventively at this age. Anyone with similar concerns should start with their GP, who can assess their cardiovascular risk. They will check your weight, blood pressure, smoking status, alcohol intake, and family history. They may also request blood tests, such as cholesterol or diabetes checks. If you are experiencing irregular heartbeats or palpitations, a GP will arrange an ECG or short-term heart monitor to determine the heart rhythm.

Occasional ‘skipped beats ‘ in young healthy adults can be normal, but NHS guidance highlights red flags that need urgent review, such as chest pain, fainting, dizziness or palpitations lasting more than a few minutes.

Lifestyle choices are central to prevention. NICE guidance emphasises regular exercise, a diet rich in vegetables, wholegrains and unsaturated fats, reducing salt intake and avoiding smoking. Your shift towards these habits is exactly what most clinicians recommend for long-term heart protection. Small, consistent steps taken early can meaningfully reduce future risk.

For reliable information, the NHS website, the British Heart Foundation and GP practices are the most helpful starting points. If someone has a strong family history of early heart disease, a GP may also discuss further tests or referrals as needed.

If you're keen to build healthier habits but aren't sure where to begin, take a look at our guide on how to start exercising. If you're finding it difficult to quit smoking, our advice on smoking and how it affects diet and nutrition can offer a helpful nudge. You can also turn to our guide to the healthiest vegetables for fresh ideas on how to work more of them into your meals.

"I worried about losing my hair"

Connor, 26, Brackley

It’s a concern I’m slowly getting over with age – some might call it wisdom, but I think it’s more about perspective. Seeing my friends lose their hair has made me realise it’s not as big a deal as I felt it was when I was 18. The fear probably came from watching other people’s hairlines recede and worrying mine would be next. It’s definitely one of the main things men that I know feel self-conscious about, with colleagues and friends often styling their hair to disguise it.

I’ll admit I still have a small habit of ruffling my hair to make sure my fringe sits right, checking it doesn’t look like it’s receding. I haven’t really come across any misconceptions about hair loss and I’ve never sought health advice on it, mainly because I’ve no idea if there are genuine ways to prevent it. The only person I talk to about it is my partner, and even then, it’s usually in jest.

Kerry's advice

Connor’s not alone; over 80% of men and almost half of all women share his concerns, with thinning hair or balding often starting before middle age. What we typically think of as male pattern baldness is largely genetic and often inherited from our mother’s family. So, Connor could check out his maternal grandfather or his mum’s brothers – if they’ve experienced hair loss, the chances are he has inherited the same balding pattern. Other types of hair loss, including a common kind called telogen effluvium, are often influenced by what we eat. It’s essential to understand the cause of your hair loss first, as this will determine whether a diet can help.

Sadly, there is no magic bullet, but here are some steps to get you started:

• Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet
• Try caffeine-based shampoo
• Apply rosemary oil to your scalp – one study that compared rosemary oil to minoxidil (an over-the-counter treatment for hair loss) found both products led to similar results
• Consider trialling a red-light hair regrowth mask

Get a full lowdown with our baldness guide.

"A pain in my groin led to me seeing numerous specialists"

Simon, 32, London

I have had a dull pain in my groin that occurs sporadically and has been present since I was a teenager. The only thing I noticed that might have caused it was the need to urinate or standing up for a long time.

When I was 24 and queueing for a toilet at a gig in some discomfort, I mentioned this to a friend and he said he thought I might have a hernia. This triggered a diagnostic journey that continues to this day.

I have, at times, worried about what the underlying cause might be, and this has occasionally had an impact on my mental health. I have consulted with massage therapists, hip specialists, oncologists and urologists. No one has been able to find the cause of the problem, which I'm told is likely not psychosomatic, but rather simply undiagnosable.

A year ago, I found out that I had issues with sperm motility and saw a second urologist, and he also thinks it's not linked. The problem is sometimes compounded by constipation, so when it's bad, I go through phases of making dietary improvements that do not last. I also try to stand for shorter periods of time to avoid aggravating it.

I did worry it might be something so serious it would be life-threatening. But, at the start of the year, ahead of an MRI and colonoscopy that a specialist assured me I did not need, he said that if the pain had not killed me since the first symptoms occurred in my teenage years, it won't do so now.

I tend to seek health advice from the NHS website, a variety of doctors, my mother, ChatGPT, my wife, friends and friends' parents, in that order.

Dr Chintal's advice

Longstanding discomfort of any sort can be frustrating to live with, especially when it has been present for many years and no clear diagnosis has been found. Groin pain has many possible causes, ranging from muscular strain and tendon irritation to nerve sensitivity, urology issues or bowel-related triggers, and some cases can remain difficult to label precisely, even after thorough assessment.

For anyone with similar symptoms, the first port of call should be your GP, who can rule out conditions that need urgent treatment. They may examine the abdomen, groin and testicles, check for a hernia and review bowel habits. If required, they may arrange an ultrasound, MRI or blood tests, or refer to other specialists, depending on the pattern of symptoms. Red flags such as sudden severe pain, a new lump, testicular swelling, fever or difficulty passing urine should prompt urgent medical review.

Constipation can aggravate groin and pelvic pain, so maintaining hydration, fibre intake and regular exercise may help reduce flare-ups. It's sensible to reference the NHS website and maintain continuity with a regular GP rather than seeking multiple opinions, as consistent care helps to build a clearer picture over time and prevents conflicting information. In addition, your GP has your full medical record to enable them to make an informed decision.

Read our helpful guide on why gut health is so important, then explore what dehydration does to your body, and symptoms to look out for plus learn what is fibre? and simple, cheap ways to get enough fibre in your daily diet.

"HIV is a constant worry"

Gianni, 27, Bologna

I have a long list of health worries; some might call me a hypochondriac, but it’s hard not to when you’ve seen how certain conditions affect people close to you. My biggest concerns are HIV and arthritis. I watched my grandfather struggle with arthritis and saw how much it affected his daily life. As for HIV, my worries focus on both the risk of transmission and the fear of contracting it myself.

Neither concern affects my daily routine much, but the thought of HIV has made me more cautious in casual relationships. I always take the necessary precautions, yet it lingers in the back of my mind, one of those quiet and persistent worries you learn to live with.

When I’m looking for advice, I usually consult doctors, check reliable online sources and talk with a few friends who work in healthcare. I also try to be open about it, especially when it comes to HIV. I think starting conversations helps raise awareness and break down the stigma that still surrounds the topic. It’s not something people should feel embarrassed or afraid to discuss.

Dr Chintal's advice

For anyone concerned about HIV, NHS guidance recommends regular sexual health screening, particularly if you have new or casual partners. Local NHS sexual health clinics offer confidential HIV tests, STI screening, and clear information on transmission and prevention, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is available through the NHS for people at higher risk. Using condoms and testing regularly remain the most protective steps.

Your instinct to seek information from trusted health professionals and reliable websites is great. Talking openly about HIV is incredibly helpful too, as awareness and removing the stigma are vital. For anyone with similar concerns, starting with speaking to your GP or attending a sexual health clinic would be advisable.

Kerry's advice

Witnessing a family member’s struggles with a chronic illness is both upsetting and heightens our awareness of how debilitating certain conditions can be. Arthritis is a common condition affecting approximately 10 million people in the UK. There are many types of arthritis, although they are all characterised by joint pain and stiffness.

Focusing on an anti-inflammatory diet – think Med-style – can be useful because it naturally encourages the inclusion of so-called anti-inflammatory foods. These include oily fish, nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil, while minimising the consumption of processed foods, which are typically high in sugar and fat. Eating this way will support Gianni’s immune system and may help maintain his health and protect him from infections. Gianni is adopting the right approach to his concerns over HIV, and by eating well and practising the necessary preventative measures, he can continue to minimise his risk.

Learn more about the Med-style diet.

"My poor diet has led to worrying health problems"

Brian, 27, London

It might sound dramatic, but my biggest health concern is losing my toes – and no, it's not like I’m trekking through the Antarctic, I’m just an office worker who spends most of the day at a desk. The worry comes from something my doctor told me: I have irreversible nerve damage linked to my (admittedly subpar) diet. It’s a frightening thought. Whenever I reach for a jaffa cake instead of fruit or veg, I can almost see the doctor’s concerned face in my mind, though I’ll admit that doesn’t always stop me finishing the packet.

Lately, I’ve made a real effort to turn things around. I’ve added more fruit and vegetables to my meals, started swimming regularly to boost my fitness and I’m now three weeks smoke-free – go me! I like to think that these changes are helping not just my toes, but also my health as I get older. One misconception people have is that I don’t take it seriously. I do, even if I tend to make jokes about it when talking to friends. They’ll often ask why I don’t just eat healthier, but for me, food has always been tricky, as new or unfamiliar things can feel stressful to try. I’m working on it, and while it’s not an overnight fix, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.

Dr Chintal's response

Nerve-related symptoms can feel understandably frightening, especially when linked to lifestyle factors. For anyone with similar concerns, the first step is always a GP review. They may check blood tests for vitamin deficiencies, thyroid conditions, diabetes, or alcohol-related causes, as these are common contributors to nerve damage. If symptoms are progressing or unclear, your GP may consider a referral to a neurologist for review and possible nerve conduction studies.

NICE guidance emphasises that lifestyle changes can significantly affect nerve health. Stopping smoking, moderating alcohol intake, increasing exercise and gradually improving diet can all help to prevent progression and support overall wellbeing. Importantly, dietary change doesn’t need to happen overnight. Adding one or two new fruits or vegetables to a weekly shop or swapping snacks for healthier options occasionally can be a realistic starting point. Small, sustained changes genuinely do make a difference.

People who find adding food variety difficult may benefit from support from a dietitian or by following specific programmes aimed at building confidence with unfamiliar foods.

It’s important to note that nerve damage does not always mean inevitable severe complications, especially when modifiable risks are addressed early. Regular follow-up with a GP ensures that symptoms are monitored and any new concerns are picked up promptly.

If you think reducing your alcohol intake could support a healthier lifestyle, take a look at our ways to cut down alcohol and explore our best non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks taste tested for smart swaps. You can also read our guide on what is a balanced diet for men? for a clear starting point to help improve what you eat and when.

"I have high cholesterol"

Greg, 45, London

God bless the NHS – if I hadn’t taken part in one of their free health checks, I’d never have known my cholesterol was high. Now that I’m aware, I’m doing my best to manage it by avoiding foods that can raise cholesterol, though I’ll admit I still tend to pick the things I enjoy over what I know is good for me. That choice usually comes with a slight pang of guilt afterwards.

I think there’s still a lot of confusion around fats, saturated fats and dairy. The advice has changed over the years and many people still go by outdated information, so it’s hard to know exactly what’s best. Luckily, I feel I’m in safe hands: my wife, a health editor, is the first person I turn to for up-to-date advice and reassurance.

Kerry's advice

With a reputation for being a dangerous blood fat, it may come as a surprise to learn that cholesterol is essential for health, but having high levels of the wrong type may be a cause for concern. Greg is correct, there’s a lot of confusion surrounding cholesterol. We previously thought certain foods like eggs were to blame. We now know this is incorrect – only 2% of the fat we eat will be in the form of cholesterol, so you’d need to eat a lot of these offending foods! In the UK, the prevalence of high cholesterol is common, with 56% of men and 61% of women reported as having high levels, often starting from the age of 45.

The good news is, there’s a lot you can do, such as:

• Cut saturated and trans fats – that’s red meat, butter and tropical oils like coconut, as well as fast food and takeaways
• Eat less refined, processed foods, like pastry, bread and biscuits
• Increase fibre-rich foods, especially oats and flaxseeds
• Eat a variety of fruit and vegetables
• Be more active
• If you smoke or vape, stop!
• Stick to government alcohol guidelines

Find more information in our understanding high cholesterol guide.

"Getting older comes with health issues"

Johnathan, 52, London

My biggest fear is losing the ability to be as active as I am now. That comes from experience – I’ve already had illness stop me from doing things I love. I can’t run anymore, I tire more easily and my gut often hurts. I can’t eat as freely as I used to. The fear goes deeper, though: my mum died when she was 52 after six years of aggressive cancer. It felt old at the time, but now that I am that age, it feels too young.

My attitude to illness and ageing has changed a lot: it used to frighten me, but now I see it differently. We can’t stop the ageing process, but we can certainly accelerate it through our lifestyle, so I try to avoid that. I don’t drink or smoke, but exercise and eat reasonably well and prioritise my mental health. It’s taken me a few years to get here, but I’m much happier for it.

I’ve come to believe that moderation isn’t always the answer; some things are best avoided altogether. Drinking, for example, is carcinogenic, no matter how we justify it.

I enjoy listening to holistic health podcasts such as Feel Better, Live More and strive to take a balanced approach. I don’t see traditional and alternative medicine as opposites; the two can work together. For me, that might mean taking antidepressants alongside making lifestyle changes, rather than relying solely on one or the other.

I’m more open now than I used to be. For years, I bottled everything up, but I’ve learned that the more we talk, the better. Hypochondria isn’t helpful, but nor is silence; as we get older, it’s better to get things checked than to ignore them.

Kerry's advice

Johnathan has a positive and balanced approach to the privilege that is ageing. However, his concerns around losing the ability to be as active as he is today are shared by many. Key to this is maintaining his physical strength and flexibility. Exercise is the most important tool to adopt for improving longevity and, more importantly, health span. Over a lifetime, the shape of that exercise will change, so although River may find running no longer suits him, there are countless other options, such as cycling or hiking. Another crucial factor to support healthy ageing is maintaining muscle strength through practices like resistance training, combined with some form of flexibility and balance training, like yoga, Pilates or tai chi.

Johnathan should be sure to support this physical activity with a balanced diet that includes adequate protein for his age, gender, size and activity levels. This will help support muscle strength and minimise the risk of age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia).

Discover more about protein with our helpful guide.

"I wish I knew what caused my migraines"

Jim, 33, Northumberland

I suffer from severe but infrequent migraines. I only get a handful each year, but when they strike, they’re completely incapacitating: pins and needles down one side, facial weakness, slurred speech, visual disturbances, pain, dizziness and nausea.

When I’m tired, stressed or nutritionally run down – or even when the seasons change – I can feel one coming. I often feel embarrassed about how much they floor me. It’s hard to explain to non-sufferers just how debilitating they are, and I sometimes worry people think I’m exaggerating. But, the reality is that I can’t work when they hit: the vision loss and sickness make it impossible to function normally, and I often fear the symptoms could signal something more serious.

After an eye test, my optician referred me to St Thomas’s Hospital, concerned about the blurred margins around my optic disc, which is a possible sign of a more severe condition. My blood pressure was slightly high for my age, which added to the alarm. Following an MRI, the doctor reassured me that the shape of my optic disc was unusual but harmless, and the migraines were simply migraines. Still, it’s unsettling to have two professionals see the same evidence and draw opposite conclusions, that you’re either fine or facing an emergency.

I’m aware of my hypochondriac streak and sometimes overcompensate by keeping quiet, waiting for symptoms to pass instead of seeking advice. It means I often bottle things up rather than talk openly with friends or partners about my health.

Dr Chintal's advice

Migraine, especially with symptoms like weakness, visual disturbance, or speech difficulty, can be extremely frightening, and it's very common to worry about more serious causes. For others experiencing similar episodes, an initial GP appointment is essential. Depending on symptoms, a GP will check blood pressure, examine the nervous system and may consider an MRI or referral to neurology in line with the NICE guidance for ‘red flag’ headache symptoms.

Once serious causes are ruled out, the focus shifts to symptom management. GPs can offer acute migraine treatments, review lifestyle triggers and consider preventative medication if migraines are severe or interfere with work. Keeping a migraine diary, noting sleep, stress, diet and weather changes can help to identify individual patterns and triggers.

If visual symptoms or eye pain occur, an optician assessment is also recommended, as they can detect optic nerve changes or raised eye pressure. Your experience of conflicting opinions can understandably be alarming. However, after a reassuring normal MRI scan the opinion may have changed and I hope this reduces the fear of a missed diagnosis.

Many people feel embarrassed by how debilitating migraines are and worry about being labelled as hypochondriacs. However, NHS guidance stresses that migraines are a recognised neurological condition. Speaking early with a GP, rather than waiting or bottling concerns, is the most effective way to manage symptoms and gain confidence. We are here to help.

For more information on migraines, read our articles on does food affect migraines? and migraine vs headache: a neurologist explains the difference.

Enjoyed this? Check out:

What is a balanced diet for men?
Ways to lower cholesterol
What is high blood pressure?
How much exercise shall I do each day?
Do supplements work?

Kerry Torrens BSc. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a postgraduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including Good Food.

Dr Chintal Patel is a long-serving GP for the NHS as well as a food content creator, cookbook author and our newest regular contributor. She has a passion for nutrition and lifestyle medicine and aims to help people approach cooking and eating in a way that supports overall wellbeing. @drchintalskitchen

All health content on goodfood.com is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, you should contact your local healthcare provider. See our website terms and conditions for more information.