Men are living shorter lives, facing significant mental health challenges and experiencing preventable health problems at alarming rates. But behind every statistic is a real person, a family and a story. Sometimes, that story is our own.

November is Men's Health Awareness Month, a time when campaigns such as Movember and International Men's Day on 19 November encourage us to talk about men's physical and mental wellbeing.

But how much do we really know about the state of men's health in the UK?

Some of the latest statistics make uncomfortable reading. Men are dying younger than women, struggling with their mental health, and living with conditions that can significantly affect their quality of life.

For me, these aren't just statistics. They're personal.

Having survived a heart attack and undergone triple bypass surgery, I understand how quickly life can change when your health is threatened.

I've also experienced some incredibly difficult personal circumstances, including divorce and parental alienation. These are experiences that can bring profound emotional pain, feelings of loss, isolation and hopelessness. I know how overwhelming life's pressures can become and how, for some men, those pressures can contribute to suicidal thoughts or tragically, suicide.

Thankfully, my story has continued, and those experiences have helped shape both my outlook on life and my commitment to physical and mental wellbeing.

Today, alongside my professional work, I am a qualified, BACP-registered counsellor and therapist, having completed my MSc in Counselling. I also have a strong personal interest in health, fitness, nutrition, longevity and the potential role of carefully selected supplements in supporting healthy ageing.

I believe that looking after our physical and mental health should be a lifelong priority, not something we only think about when things go wrong.

So, let's look at the numbers.

1. Men Live Almost Four Years Less Than Women

79.1 years versus 83.0 years.

According to the Office for National Statistics, life expectancy at birth in the UK during 2022–2024 was:

Figure 1  UK life expectancy at birth, ONS 2022–2024

• Men: 79.1 years
• Women: 83.0 years
• Difference: 3.9 years

That's almost four years less life expectancy for men.

Of course, these figures are population averages rather than predictions of how long any particular individual will live. Nevertheless, they highlight an important difference in health outcomes.

Geography, deprivation, genetics, lifestyle and access to healthcare all influence life expectancy.

There is also an important distinction between lifespan and healthspan.

Lifespan refers to how long we live. Healthspan refers to how many of those years we spend in reasonably good health, maintaining our independence and enjoying life.

For me, longevity isn't simply about reaching 90 or 100 years old. It's about having the energy, mobility, physical strength and mental wellbeing to enjoy those years.

The takeaway: Living longer matters, but living healthier for longer matters just as much.

Source: Office for National Statistics, National Life Tables 2022–2024.

2. Nearly Three-Quarters of Suicide Deaths in Scotland Are Among Men

522 men died by probable suicide in Scotland in 2025.

This is perhaps one of the most troubling statistics of all.

New figures released by National Records of Scotland on 3 November 2026 show:

Figure 2  Probable suicide deaths in Scotland, NRS 2025

• 703 probable suicide deaths in Scotland during 2025.
• 522 were men and 181 were women.
• Men accounted for approximately 74% of these deaths.
• The male suicide mortality rate was 3.1 times the female rate.

In England and Wales, the male suicide rate during 2025 was 17.5 per 100,000, compared with 5.5 per 100,000 for women.

Men aged 50–54 had the highest male suicide rate in England and Wales.

These numbers deserve more than a passing mention during Men's Health Month.

Why this statistic is particularly personal to me

I've experienced some very challenging periods in my own life.

Divorce can involve far more than the ending of a relationship. It can mean losing your home, financial security, familiar routines and the future you had imagined.

Parental alienation and difficult parent–child relationships can bring another level of emotional pain, particularly when a parent feels disconnected from their children.

Having lived through these experiences, I know that the emotional impact can be profound.

At times, circumstances can feel overwhelming. For some people, the combination of loss, relationship breakdown, financial pressures and isolation can create a sense that there is no way forward.

It's important, however, to recognise that suicide is complex. No single event or circumstance explains why someone takes their own life.

My experiences have helped me develop a greater understanding of the pressures men can face, particularly those they may struggle to talk about.

As a qualified counsellor and therapist, I also recognise the importance of creating spaces where people can speak openly without fear of judgement.

Too many men feel they must remain strong, cope alone or hide their emotions.

But strength isn't about pretending everything is fine.

Sometimes, the strongest thing we can do is acknowledge that we're struggling and ask for support.

We need to normalise conversations about men's mental health, encourage meaningful connections and challenge the idea that seeking help is somehow a weakness.

The takeaway: Mental health is every bit as important as physical health. Talking, connecting and seeking support can make a meaningful difference.

Sources: National Records of Scotland, Probable Suicides in Scotland 2025; ONS, Suicides in England and Wales 2025.

3. One in Eight UK Men Will Develop Prostate Cancer

Approximately 1 in 8 men in the UK will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

For Black men, the estimated lifetime risk rises to approximately 1 in 4.

Figure 3  Estimated lifetime prostate cancer risk, Prostate Cancer UK

According to Cancer Research UK, around 12,300 men die from prostate cancer annually in the UK, based on the 2022–2024 average.

The risk increases with age, and family history can also be important.

One of the challenges is that prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages.

Men should understand their individual risk and speak to their GP about concerns or symptoms. PSA testing is available in certain circumstances, although its potential benefits and limitations should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

The message isn't to panic. It's to be informed and proactive.

The takeaway: Know your risk, pay attention to changes in your health and don't put off important conversations with your GP.

Sources: Prostate Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK.

4. Seven in Ten Men in England Are Overweight or Living With Obesity

70% of adult men in England were overweight or living with obesity in 2024.

That's according to the latest Health Survey for England.

The equivalent figure for women was 62%.

Figure 4  Overweight including obesity, Health Survey for England 2024

Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, is associated with increased risks of:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• Certain cancers
• Sleep apnoea
• Reduced mobility and other health problems

However, weight is only one measure of health, and it shouldn't become another reason for men to feel judged or ashamed.

It's about improving our health through realistic, sustainable changes.

My own approach to health and fitness

Following my heart attack and triple bypass surgery, I became increasingly interested in understanding how lifestyle choices might influence my long-term health.

Over time, this has developed into a much broader interest in longevity, nutrition, metabolic health, exercise and supplementation.

Earlier this year, I embarked on a structured health and fitness programme involving regular exercise, dietary changes, intermittent fasting and a carefully considered supplement routine.

During the first ten weeks, I reduced my weight from 85kg to 75kg.

For me, however, the most important part wasn't simply losing weight.

It was taking greater ownership of my health and developing habits that I could maintain.

I've become particularly interested in the relationship between metabolic health, cardiovascular health, muscle strength and healthy ageing.

I also recognise that what works for one person won't necessarily suit another, particularly when there is an existing medical condition.

Having experienced serious cardiovascular disease myself, I understand the importance of appropriate medical supervision when making significant changes to diet, exercise or supplements.

The takeaway: Small, consistent lifestyle changes can support long-term health. The aim should be sustainable progress, not perfection.

Source: NHS Health Survey for England 2024.

5. Cardiovascular Disease Causes Around 170,000 UK Deaths Every Year

Heart and circulatory diseases remain among the UK's biggest health challenges.

According to the British Heart Foundation:

Figure 5  UK cardiovascular deaths, British Heart Foundation

• Cardiovascular disease causes approximately 170,000 deaths annually in the UK, across men and women.
• Around 1.5 million men in the UK are living with coronary heart disease.
• High blood pressure, smoking, elevated cholesterol, diabetes and physical inactivity are important cardiovascular risk factors.

Of all these statistics, cardiovascular disease is the one that resonates most strongly with me.

Surviving a heart attack changed my perspective

A heart attack and triple bypass surgery are life-changing experiences.

They force you to confront your own mortality and recognise that good health cannot be taken for granted.

Having been through both, I understand the importance of looking after your heart.

I also know that cardiovascular health isn't just about what happens in the gym.

It's influenced by numerous interconnected factors, including nutrition, physical activity, smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep, stress and genetics.

And although we cannot control every risk factor, there are many areas where we can make positive changes.

I believe it's important for men to become more engaged with their own health, understand their risk factors and take preventative action where possible.

Don't wait for a serious health event to start paying attention.

The takeaway: Know your blood pressure, understand your cardiovascular risk factors and take an active interest in your heart health.

Source: British Heart Foundation, Cardiovascular Disease Statistics 2026.

6. Around 2,300 UK Men Are Diagnosed With Testicular Cancer Every Year

Testicular cancer is relatively uncommon compared with some other cancers, but it is particularly relevant to younger men.

According to Cancer Research UK:

• Approximately 2,320 men are diagnosed annually in the UK.
• It is more common in younger adult men, particularly those in their early 30s.
• Around 96.5% of men diagnosed survive for at least ten years, based on published UK survival estimates.

That last statistic is encouraging.

It also reinforces the value of recognising changes in our bodies and seeking appropriate medical advice.

Men should be familiar with what is normal for them and speak to a healthcare professional if they notice a lump, swelling or other persistent change.

The takeaway: Awareness matters at every age, and concerns should never be ignored.

Source: Cancer Research UK.

7. Exercise Is One of the Most Accessible Ways to Support Better Health

The NHS recommends that adults aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.
• Muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days each week.
• Less prolonged sitting and more regular movement throughout the day.

The 2024 Health Survey for England found that 27% of adults were physically inactive, undertaking less than 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous activity each week.

Physical activity offers benefits that extend far beyond weight management.

Regular exercise can support cardiovascular health, strength, mobility, sleep and psychological wellbeing.

Personally, I've found that exercise also provides structure, focus and a positive outlet for stress.

Whether it's training in the gym, walking in the countryside, hiking or spending time outdoors, movement has become an important part of my approach to health and wellbeing.

And as someone with a background in outdoor activities, coaching and counselling, I have a particular appreciation for the potential benefits of combining physical activity with time in nature.

You don't have to become a marathon runner or spend hours in the gym.

Start with what is manageable, build gradually and find activities you genuinely enjoy.

The takeaway: Movement is an investment in both physical and mental wellbeing.

Source: NHS Physical Activity Guidelines.

8. What About Supplements and Longevity?

As someone with a longstanding interest in health, nutrition and longevity, I am fascinated by developments in nutritional science and the potential role of supplements in supporting different aspects of health.

My own routine has included supplements such as creatine, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, vitamins, NMN and other ingredients being investigated in relation to healthy ageing.

However, I think it's important to distinguish between promising scientific research and benefits that have been conclusively demonstrated in humans.

Some ingredients have well-established nutritional or physiological roles, while research into others, particularly certain emerging longevity compounds, remains at an early stage.

Supplements should complement a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, rather than replace them.

They certainly aren't a substitute for appropriate medical treatment.

This is particularly important for people like me who have experienced cardiovascular disease, as some supplements may interact with prescribed medications or may not be appropriate for everyone.

For me, the foundation of healthy ageing remains:

Figure 6  Four foundations of healthy ageing

• Good nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Regular cardiovascular and strength-based exercise.
• Sufficient, good-quality sleep.
• Managing stress and supporting mental wellbeing.
• Maintaining positive relationships and social connections.
• Understanding personal health risks and accessing appropriate healthcare.

Supplements may have a role within that bigger picture, depending on individual needs and the available evidence.

The takeaway: There is no magic solution to longevity. Healthy ageing is built on consistent habits, appropriate healthcare and informed choices.

9. Men's Health Is About More Than Physical Fitness

Perhaps the biggest lesson I've learned through my own experiences is that physical and mental health cannot be considered entirely separately.

A serious illness can affect your confidence, relationships, identity and emotional wellbeing.

Equally, relationship breakdown, isolation, chronic stress and psychological distress can affect sleep, behaviour, motivation and the way we look after ourselves physically.

As a qualified counsellor and therapist, my approach is informed by pluralistic counselling.

At its heart, this recognises that different people need different things at different times, and that there isn't one single approach that works for everyone.

I believe the same principle applies to health and wellbeing.

For one man, the first step towards better health might be joining a gym.

For another, it could be booking an appointment with his GP.

For someone else, it might be speaking honestly to a friend, reconnecting with family, addressing an unhealthy relationship or seeking counselling.

All of these are valid steps.

And all of them matter.

10. It's Never Too Late to Start Taking Your Health Seriously

Looking back at my own life, I've experienced some significant challenges.

A heart attack. Triple bypass surgery. Divorce. Difficult family circumstances. Emotional challenges that have tested my resilience.

But I've also experienced personal growth, positive change and the opportunity to build new chapters in my life.

Those experiences have reinforced something I now believe strongly:

We cannot always control what happens to us, but we can influence how we respond, how we look after ourselves and what we choose to do next.

That doesn't mean every problem has a simple solution, or that people should be expected to overcome difficult circumstances through willpower alone.

Sometimes we need support. Sometimes we need professional help. Sometimes we simply need time.

But there is value in recognising that change remains possible.

My own journey has led me towards a deeper interest in health and longevity, and towards qualifying as a counsellor and therapist so that I can support others through their own challenges.

I don't claim to have all the answers.

But I do believe that investing in our physical and mental wellbeing is one of the most important things we can do.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Month

The statistics tell us that men's health in the UK faces some serious challenges.

Men live shorter lives on average. Suicide disproportionately affects men. Cardiovascular disease, cancer and metabolic health problems remain major concerns.

But statistics should be a starting point for action, not a reason for despair.

This Men's Health Month, I'd encourage every man to take a moment and ask himself:

• When did I last have my blood pressure checked?
• Am I doing enough to support my physical health?
• Am I getting sufficient exercise, sleep and good nutrition?
• How am I really feeling mentally and emotionally?
• Do I have people I can speak to when life becomes difficult?
• What one positive change could I make today?

You don't have to change everything overnight.

Just start somewhere.

Because men's health isn't simply about adding years to our lives.

It's about adding life to our years.

And that's something worth working towards, every single day.

Don Marshall

Qualified Counsellor & Therapist (MSc Counselling) | BACP Registered

Health, Fitness & Longevity Enthusiast

Men's Health Month at Voyager Life

Throughout November, Voyager Life is supporting Men's Health Awareness Month and encouraging men to take a more proactive approach to their health and wellbeing.

As part of our November promotion, we're offering:

10% OFF ALL PRODUCTS SITEWIDE

Use code: MEN10

Explore our range of health, wellbeing and nutritional supplements at www.voyagerlife.co.uk.

Supplements should not replace a varied, balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle. Always seek appropriate medical advice, particularly if you have an existing health condition or take prescribed medication.

Need Someone to Talk To?

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, support is available.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123, free, 24 hours a day.
• NHS 111: For urgent mental health support and advice.
• Breathing Space (Scotland): 0800 83 85 87.
• Emergency: If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Seeking help is a sign of taking your health seriously.

Sources and Further Reading

1. Office for National Statistics (2025). National Life Tables: UK, 2022–2024.
2. National Records of Scotland (2026). Probable Suicides in Scotland, 2025.
3. Office for National Statistics (2026). Suicides in England and Wales: 1981–2025.
4. Prostate Cancer UK — Facts and Figures.
5. Cancer Research UK — Prostate Cancer Statistics.
6. Cancer Research UK — Testicular Cancer Statistics.
7. British Heart Foundation — Cardiovascular Statistics 2026.
8. NHS — Health Survey for England 2024.
9. NHS — Physical Activity Guidelines.

Men's Health Month – November 2026 | By Don Marshall