The downside of millennial health and body consciousness

A new survey from Orlando Health has found that 90 percent of men have changed their daily habits to reach fitness goals. Some of these lifestyle changes are healthy, while others rely on extreme workout regimens or supplements that are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and may have unexpected consequences.

Men may not talk as much about their body image issues, but they have the same insecurities as women. According to the study, millennials are much more likely than any other age group of men to take an extreme approach to fitness.

Fifty-one percent of millennials reported using supplements, while 56 percent said they regularly work out more than four days per week. Intense workout schedules have been found to cause an unhealthy fluctuation in muscle mass and weight due to fact that they are often inconsistent.

Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt and Dr. Sijo Parekattil, both urologists at Orlando Health, are setting out on a road trip to talk to men about male body image and healthy lifestyle changes in the 5th annual Drive for Men’s Health.

“Finding that healthy balance can be a challenge, but it’s something that men should be speaking to their doctors about,” said Dr. Brahmbhatt.

“The daily habits that they think are improving their health could actually be putting it at risk. A lot of claims on the labels of supplements and shakes are, at best, unresearched, and at worst, potentially dangerous.”

This year’s event will begin in New York City on June 4th, followed by a 3,000-mile journey across the country. The experts will visit Philadelphia, Columbus, Chicago, and Houston before hosting a grand finale event in Clermont, Florida.

The doctors will team up with local chefs at farmers’ markets in each city for health and nutrition demonstrations. The goal of the event is to encourage men to take control of their health and to become a part of the conversation on body image issues for men.

The road trip will end with a 5K run, in partnership with Clermont Waterfront ParkRun, to celebrate optimal health and active lifestyles.

“We want people to have fun at these events so that they are engaged and can absorb the important health messages that we’re putting out there,” said Dr Parekattil.

“Showing up creates a great opportunity to start the conversation and make an appointment with your doctor, because just living a healthy lifestyle isn’t enough. Having regular visits with a physician is also extremely important to disease prevention and maintaining good health.”

Follow along with the doctors on their mission across America by using the hashtag #Drive4Men. The experts will be answering questions and giving live health advice on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube along their journey.

Twitter and Instagram: @drive4men, Facebook, YouTube

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By Chrissy Sexton, Earth.com Staff Writer