A new survey, conducted by METIS Healthcare Research, has revealed that nearly half of Australian men’s career or work-life is impacted by their weight.
In the Let’s Talk About Weight: A national report on lived experiences of obesity and weight management in Australia, more than 1,300 Australians aged 18-75-plus were surveyed to explore how weight influences every area of life, from health to mental wellbeing to relationships, careers, and social participation.
METIS Healthcare Research revealed that men surveyed reported weight affecting their confidence and self-esteem (39%) and financial security (52%) – issues often unspoken in male-dominated industries such as mining.
In Australia, 75% of people that commit suicide are men aged between 40 and 59 – representing a large portion of mining’s age demographic. As previously reported, suicide rates within the mining sector are 80% higher than the national average.
Speaking to Mining.com.au, Steven Lu – a Melbourne-based specialist GP – says weight stigma in workplaces is often subtle, but pervasive.
“Many men report feeling judged before they’ve even walked into a room, whether that’s assumptions about their fitness, discipline or leadership potential,” Lu tells this news service.
“For others, the stigma shows up through a lack of appropriate uniforms, chairs or equipment that aren’t designed for diverse bodies.
“When we feel judged or uncomfortable, we disengage. That has real consequences for career progression and workplace wellbeing.”
The survey highlighted that one-in-four people surveyed avoid healthcare altogether. This is alarming as men are less likely to prioritise their health or start conversations with their doctors.
Lu notes that for men, health can be a difficult topic due to them being expected to ‘tough it out’ or minimise any struggles.
“Obesity is still often treated as a lifestyle issue or a personal failing, when in reality it’s a chronic complex disease influenced by genetics, environment, and biology,” he says.
“To support people properly, we need to listen to their lived experience.”
Starting conversations
In recognition of R U OK? Day (11 September), Mining.com.au shined a light on mental health across the nation. As reported last year in honour of R U OK? Day, the nature of mining work can trigger a range of mental health issues. Some of these issues include anxiety, stress, depression, and mental fatigue.
Research by the Breakthrough Mental Health Research Foundation, shows that the mining sector loses an estimated $460 million in productivity annually due to mental health issues.
About 30% of mining workers report high or very high levels of psychological distress, making them roughly two and a half times more likely to experience depression or anxiety.
Lu says the most powerful thing employers can do is create a culture where health conversations are normalised and free of judgment.
“Language alone can have a profound impact on whether someone feels judged or supported,” he says.
“Person-first languages helps separate the individual from the disease and removes blame. Using terms like ‘people living with overweight or obesity’ creates a safer, more respectful environment and reduces the stigma that stops so many men from seeking help.”
Additional support can also be simple, such as ensuring workplaces and equipment are accessible for all body types, providing flexible scheduling for health appointments, and offering wellbeing programs that focus on health and wellness.
As the report revealed, men struggle to prioritise their health. This is even more evident with those working long shifts such as fly-in fly-out rosters.
According to Lu, for most men, a yearly check-in is the baseline for visiting GPs. However, for those working long or irregular and demanding shifts, more frequent visits are required.
FIFO and shift-based work can disrupt sleep, diet, metabolism, and stress levels – all of which increase the risk of metabolic disease.
“A preventative check-in every six to 12 months allows us to track key biomarkers, pick up early signs of metabolic change and create personalised strategies before health issues escalate,” Lu says.
Lu recommends those who are experiencing these changes to ask what tools or next steps could support you and focus on building a relationship with a GP who listens.
“The most important step you can take is to start a conversation with a healthcare professional you trust. Early, personalised support can dramatically change your health trajectory.
“Reaching out is not a sign of weakness, it’s one of the strongest things you can do for your future.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: METIS Healthcare Research, iStock & Unsplash
