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Common health risks in men
Men have a shorter average lifespan than women and tend to develop lifestyle-related diseases earlier. The reasons are often a combination of genetics, diet, lack of exercise, and stress. This article explains the most common health risks and what you can do to reduce your risk.
Cardiovascular diseases
High blood pressure, Elevated blood lipids, smoking, and stress are the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Too little exercise and an unhealthy diet high in sugar and fat increase the risk further. To prevent heart and vascular disease, it’s important to exercise regularly, eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber, limit alcohol intake, and avoid tobacco. Check your blood pressure and cholesterol regularly.
Type 2 diabetes
Diabetes often develops slowly, and many people only notice it once blood sugar levels are already elevated. Certain factors increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, such as being overweight, stress, sedentary work, and heredity. You can help prevent diabetes by maintaining a stable weight, exercising, eating a balanced diet with plenty of whole grains and vegetables, and getting sufficient sleep. Aim to move for at least 30 minutes a day.
Liver disease
Our liver values are affected by alcohol, fatty foods, and high sugar intake. Fatty liver is a common liver condition, especially in people who are overweight. Protect your liver by limiting alcohol consumption, drinking water instead of sugary beverages, avoiding processed foods, and maintaining a healthy weight for your body.
Hormonal imbalance and testosterone deficiency
Hormone levels in the body affect both physical and mental well-being. Testosterone deficiency can manifest as fatigue, low mood, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido. Factors that negatively affect hormonal balance include stress, lack of sleep, inactivity, and being overweight. To support hormonal health, exercise regularly, get enough rest, eat nutrient-rich foods with healthy fats, and avoid prolonged alcohol and nicotine use.
Prostate problems
Prostate issues increase with age and can be caused by both benign enlargement and cancer. Hormonal changes, inflammation, and heredity also play a role. Prostate problems can be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, eating plenty of vegetables and fish, and exercising regularly. Test your PSA level when needed.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Vitamin deficiencies are common and can cause fatigue, low mood, and a weakened immune system. They often occur if your diet is unbalanced, you get little sunlight, or you consume a lot of alcohol. Eat a varied diet rich in vegetables, fish, eggs, and whole grains. Spend time outdoors daily and consider supplements if needed.
How Health check - Man works
Health check - Man is specifically designed for men and gives insight into your overall health. Through a single blood test, it analyzes several markers related to the body’s key functions and can identify early signs of health issues.
- Heart and vessels: cholesterol, blood lipids, and CRP (inflammation)
- Thyroid: metabolism and energy balance
- Kidneys and liver: the body’s cleansing organs
- Blood sugar: risk of diabetes and insulin resistance
- Vitamins and minerals: nutritional status and energy
- Testosterone: hormonal balance and performance
The health check also includes a biological age calculation, which uses the PhenoAge model to show how your body ages in relation to your actual age. You also receive a medical report with personalized recommendations for improving your health.
Who is the test suitable for?
The test is suitable for men who want to optimize their performance, energy, and recovery, as well as for those who feel that something is not quite right in their body. For example, you may have a weakened immune system, prolonged fatigue, or suspect hormonal imbalance. The health check is also valuable if you have a hereditary risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or metabolic disorders.
How often should you have a health check?
The recommendation varies slightly depending on your age. Here are the general guidelines for different age groups:
- 25–35 years: every 2–3 years
- 40–50 years: every 1–2 years
- 50+ years: annually recommended
It’s also important to adjust the frequency based on lifestyle, health status, and hereditary factors.
Why regular check-ups are important
By tracking your values over time, you can understand how your body responds to lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and stress. This allows you to identify risk factors before symptoms appear and prevent cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hormonal issues. It also gives you the opportunity to improve your energy levels, sleep, and recovery.
