Almost three in ten adult men (28%) aged 18 and above have felt anxious because of body image issues according to the survey findings.
One in five (21%) said concerns about body image had caused them to dress in a way that hid their body or parts of their body in the last year.
One in five (22%) male respondents said they had negatively compared themselves to others because of body image in the last year.
More than one in ten of the men surveyed (11%) have experienced suicidal thoughts and feelings because of body image issues and 4% of male respondents also said they had deliberately hurt themselves because of body image issues.
The new male-specific breakdown of the findings is from a survey of 4,505 UK adults aged 18 and above carried out earlier this year of which 2,103 were male. The survey was carried out to assess the impact of body image on people in the UK.
Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation Mark Rowland said: “Body image is often seen as an issue that only affects women – but it is clear from our data that it is affecting millions of men in the UK as well.
“Men are also being surrounded by images of idealised body types – either through advertising or reality TV shows or digital media. It is important to recognise how this media environment can impact on men.
“The consequences of body image issues can be serious. It is shocking that almost one in 20 of the men who responded to our survey said they had deliberately hurt themselves as a result of body image issues.
“It is important we recognise the significant negative impact a media environment can have on mental health.”
The Mental Foundation is calling on the UK Government and relevant industries to take action, including the regulation of social media. It has also campaigned for reality TV shows like Love Island to avoid showing unrealistic body types.
Mr Rowland continued: “There is evidence to suggest that body image issues in men are becoming more pronounced and increases the risks of poor mental health. Men also can find it more difficult to talk about their mental health and to seek help.
“But none of this inevitable. There is much we can do as a society to reduce pressures on men and improve their mental health.”
For those seeking help on how to manage body image issues – advice can be found on the Mental Health Foundation website here.