Manosphere, tobacco and gambling are driving avoidable harm and premature deaths among men, studies find

Men are facing poorer health and shorter lives, according to new research published in The Lancet. The stark warning comes from an international study that highlights how life expectancy gaps between men and women are growing wider among disadvantaged groups, ethnic minorities, and those with lower socioeconomic status. Led by researchers at the University of Sheffield, the landmark series of papers examines the various health burdens affecting men and identifies key drivers behind these issues.

The studies point to the influence of alcohol, tobacco, and gambling industries preying on men, as well as the rise of extremist online "manosphere" culture. These factors, combined with gaps in public policy and support services, have allowed harmful influences to persist unchecked. While some countries, like Ireland and England, have implemented national men's health strategies, global implementation remains limited, underfunded, and overly focused on individual behavior rather than tackling systemic drivers like racism, poverty, and class inequality.

Professor Jim Catto, from the University of Sheffield's School of Medicine and Population Health, emphasizes the importance of addressing these gaps in men's health policy to prevent the proliferation of damaging industries and promote health equity for all. He stresses that closing the health policy gaps does not undermine women's health but rather advances it.

International agencies, governments, and health organizations are urged to collect better data on marginalized men, secure stable funding, and foster positive masculinity to develop more effective health policies for men.