I am a man, and I have the stereotypical beer belly. I'm trying to lose it, but only because of the health implications, not because of any shame about how I look.
Is the fact that my partner will probably find me more attractive a beneficial side effect, yes, but its not the driving force behind trying to lose weight.
As for what anyone else thinks I look like, I couldn't care less, its literally not something that even crosses my mind.
It's due to our societies socialisation on men vs. women. Look at slimming world adverts as an example, always targeted at women. Its the same thing as make up, high heels, shaved legs, lack of pockets in womens clothing. Its all there because women have to look good, whereas men can get away with looking like crap.
And the best part of this, is that men don't even care! We don't go round talking to each other about how Sheilas put on a few pounds or Maeves got greasy hair today. Somehow, we've ended up in a society where women police other women instead of all collectively saying "Fuck it!"
I'd love to fix it, because I'd love to be able to get out of the door on time without my DP stressing that she doesn't look quite right. I have no clue how to though, and if I'm honest, I've probably never thought too hard about it.
Because I've not had a shave for a week, my T-shirt has a hole in it, and as previously mentioned, I'm fat. And absolutely noone gives the slightest shit.