Men often talk openly about their skincare routines, gym gains, hair treatments and grooming habits. But when it comes to enlarged breast tissue or stubborn fat around the chest, many prefer to stay silent. For some, the concern can affect what they wear, where they go and how comfortable they feel in their own bodies.
One condition that is often mistaken for stubborn chest fat is gynecomastia, which refers to enlarged breast tissue in men. According to Dr Anmol Chugh, Associate Director and Head of Plastic & Aesthetic Surgery at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, and Founder of the Seena Strong Campaign, the condition occurs in around 30% of men at some point in their lifetime.
What is gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia refers to enlargement of breast tissue in men. However, it is often perceived simply as excess fat around the chest.
Dr Chugh explains that this distinction is important because gynecomastia involves glandular tissue, rather than being only a case of excess fat. The condition can be associated with hormonal changes, including shifts that occur during puberty and with age. It can also appear as a side effect of certain medications or when there is too much oestrogen relative to testosterone.
This is why some men may continue exercising and dieting without seeing the change they expect.
Why gym workouts may not get rid of it
For men who notice extra tissue around their chest, the first instinct may be to spend more time at the gym. Push-ups, bench presses and other chest-focused exercises are often added to the workout routine in the hope that they will eliminate the problem.
But when the enlargement is caused by glandular tissue, exercise alone cannot remove that tissue, Dr Chugh explains.
“You can't diet away glandular tissue, and no amount of bench pressing will make it budge,” he says.
This can leave some men feeling that they are failing despite putting considerable effort into their fitness routine. In reality, the issue may not be a lack of exercise at all.
Why men often keep it to themselves
Gynecomastia can become more than a physical concern. It may affect how men feel about their bodies and lead them to change their everyday behaviour.
According to Dr Chugh, men dealing with an enlarged chest may avoid fitted clothing, swimming or beach outings and instead opt for looser shirts. Unlike concerns such as hair loss, which men may be more comfortable discussing with a specialist, chest enlargement can remain a subject they avoid talking about with doctors, trainers or even their partners.
This silence can make the concern harder to address. Dr Chugh says the issue is not something men necessarily have to simply live with. A proper medical evaluation can help determine whether the enlargement is true gynecomastia or ordinary fat.
What causes gynecomastia?
The expert source identifies hormonal changes as a key factor behind gynecomastia. These changes can naturally occur during puberty and later in life.
Certain medications can also be associated with the condition. Another factor mentioned by Dr Chugh is an imbalance in which there is too much oestrogen in relation to testosterone.
Because the underlying cause can vary, men who are concerned about persistent chest enlargement should seek an appropriate medical evaluation rather than assuming it is simply excess body fat.
Is gynecomastia treatable?
Yes. According to Dr Chugh, once glandular tissue has developed, it typically does not disappear through diet or exercise, but gynecomastia is treatable.
Treatment depends on the individual case. The options mentioned by Dr Chugh include targeted liposuction, gland excision or a combination of both. He describes these as established approaches with a fast recovery and lasting results.
The first step, however, is understanding what is actually causing the chest enlargement. A specialist evaluation can help differentiate gynecomastia from ordinary fat and determine the appropriate course of action.
Men's grooming is also about body confidence
Men's grooming has expanded far beyond haircuts and skincare. Gym routines, aesthetic treatments and body-confidence conversations have become increasingly common, but certain concerns remain difficult to discuss.
Dr Chugh believes gynecomastia is one of those concerns that continues to be surrounded by embarrassment. The Seena Strong initiative aims to create greater awareness among men and trainers about the difference between chest fat and gynecomastia and encourage people to seek appropriate treatment rather than avoid the issue.
The key message is simple: persistent chest enlargement is not necessarily a sign that a man is not exercising hard enough. If the underlying issue is glandular tissue, working harder at the gym may not solve it.
As Dr Chugh puts it, gynecomastia is “a medical condition, not a personal failing.” For men who have been quietly hiding beneath loose T-shirts or avoiding situations that make them uncomfortable, speaking to a specialist can be the first step towards understanding what is actually happening and what options are available.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on religious beliefs and popular traditions. There is no scientific evidence to support it. India TV does not vouch for the accuracy of any of the information.
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