Sex, sunbathing by the pool, charging into battle on horseback – there are certain things in life that are best enjoyed without a shirt on. Sadly, however, there’s a cruel affliction hellbent on depriving men of these simple pleasures.

Man boobs – medically, gynaecomastia – is often the result of a hormone imbalance, when a man’s ratio of oestrogen to testosterone shifts too far to the female side. It’s a problem that affects around half of all men, according to the Cleveland Clinical Journal of Medicine.

But that doesn’t mean you need to start shopping in the lingerie section. Regardless of how you grew them, your man-nary glands can be remedied. What can’t be shed in the gym can be concealed with clever wardrobe choices and what can’t be concealed can – in extreme cases – be removed with the help of a skilled professional.

What Are Man Boobs?

Of all the indignities age thrusts upon your body, a sudden swelling in your chest might be the toughest to stomach.

Man moobs are caused by the formation of excess fat or breast tissue, which gives the appearance of breasts. For sufferers, it can be an extremely embarrassing issue, leading to problems with self-esteem, body confidence and an overall decline in mental well-being.

Gynaecomastia VS Pseudogynecomastia

If you’re going to stand any chance of getting rid of yours, it’s important to know how they got there in the first place. According to Dr Dennis Wolf at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, there are two main types.

“Gynaecomastia is true enlargement of the breast tissue in the male chest,” he says. “All males have some element of breast tissue, and this can sometimes grow due to hormone fluctuation or weight fluctuation.” Occasionally, this can also be due to steroid use; we’re looking at you, gym bunnies.

“Pseudogynecomastia,” he adds, “is an enlargement of the chest appearance, but not due to breast tissue alone. In most cases, this is a combination of fat and gland, but mainly fat. The cause of this is weight fluctuation.”