Nutrition for Men with Paul Nocco, MS, RDN

June is Men’s Health Month. While it’s important for men to prioritize their health all year long, we wanted to take some time this month to dive deeper into men’s health and nutrition for men. The health statistics are staggering—In 2023, a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine, revealed that the average life expectancy for men fell to 73.2 years, compared to 79.1 years for women. This is the widest life expectancy gap between men and women since 1996. It demonstrates that we not only need to prioritize our own health, but also encourage our loved ones to seek medical care.

To discuss ways men can optimize their health through nutrition, we talked with Paul Nocco, MS, RDN, and Registered Dietitian at Culina Health. 

About Paul Nocco, MS, RDN

What made you decide to specialize in men’s health, why do you feel this topic is important?

I am a friend, a brother, and a son, to men. I have seen many men in my life fail to prioritize their physical and mental health through diet and lifestyle. This might be for many reasons. Perhaps it’s the cultural stigma that says it’s “not manly” to seek support for health concerns. Or because of societal expectations of men as caretakers for others rather than themselves. Whatever the reason, I feel passionately about wanting to have a greater impact on the way health and wellness, especially as it pertains to nutrition, is perceived by men.

What can a new male patient expect from working with you?

An open, non-judgmental, science-based, educational approach tailored to your specific needs. Maybe it’s a particular area of focus, like a desire to lose weight or understand nutrition basics. We can also take a more tailored approach. This looks like examining your family history or genetic predisposition to disease to reduce your risk. We can also focus in on managing any symptoms you experience.

Working with a Dietitian on Men’s Health

 What are some of the most common goals men come to you with?

I most commonly see weight loss as the main reason for a visit. While I applaud all my patients for taking steps to better their health through nutrition counseling, I believe that despite what society has told us about weight loss in the past, weight loss is not achieved in a vacuum. Oftentimes it’s a more multifaceted goal than simply “eating less,” or diet and exercise. Working with a dietitian on weight loss involves nutrition education, meal planning, looking into your lifestyle, and more. When you view a goal such as weight loss with nuance, you can create lasting, sustainable change. This is in contrast to the yo-yo dieting phenomenon. Ultra-restrictive diets lead to bingeing, and most find themselves back where they started.

What are common nutritional or lifestyle challenges you’ve seen your male patients experience?

Something I’ve seen a lot as a man myself, and that I’ve heard my male patients experience, are gender stigmas around health. There’s this idea in society that health and wellness are “for women” and “not manly.” That might prohibit some men from making vital lifestyle changes that support their health. For instance, a guy might face stigma for ordering a salad or something else vegetable-forward at dinner. Or they may be ridiculed for cutting back on alcohol, or tracking their food intake. I believe there’s nothing more manly, more strong, than doing what is best for your body and prioritizing your health and nutrition!

How does nutrition care vary for men based on an individual’s identity?

The prevalence of certain diseases varies across different communities, as well as access to nutrition. For example, eating disorders affect members of the LGBTQ+ community disproportionately compared to cisgender, heterosexual men. Type 2 diabetes disproportionately impacts Native American men. Individuals from low-income households or food deserts may not have equal access to nutrition education or nutritious food options. Biological sex is just one factor that impacts a man’s health—and these other factors come into play as well. That’s why we always say nutrition is *not* one-size-fits all. Instead, I take a tailored, case-by-case approach that accounts for an individual’s unique circumstances.

Nutrition for Men and Men’s Health

What are some things every man should do to optimize nutrition?

• Do routine blood work done once a year. Regular checkups will allow you and your provider to more readily identify any specific areas of your diet/lifestyle that may be necessary to change. 
• Meet with any necessary healthcare specialists based on your relevant family history of disease. (Another reminder! If you’re able, talk to your family members about different diseases or illnesses they’ve experienced to understand your family history. And tell your doctor!)
• Screen for diseases in relation to your risk factors. Preventive screenings such as checks for prostate cancer and testicular cancer, heart disease, and more.
• Make nutrition a priority! Many men don’t think about how their diet and lifestyle might impact their health in all aspects. What you eat, whether you smoke, drink alcohol, and your lifestyle can impact not only your physical health, but also your sexual health, mental health, and longevity.

What are common health challenges that disproportionately affect men and how can nutrition help them reduce risk or manage the disease?

Heart disease such as ASCVD (Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease) as well as prostate cancer are two common diseases which rely on early detection and regular screening for intervention before the disease can significantly progress. Nutrition can help prevent development and progression of these diseases through following a balanced, nutritionally adequate diet in conjunction with an active lifestyle, adequate sleep, and stress management.

What are some nutritional or health needs that may change as men age and why?

As men age, risk of disease (like the aforementioned ASCVD and prostate cancer) only continue to climb, along with other age-related drop offs in functional status (such as sarcopenia—a musculoskeletal disease in which muscle mass, strength, and performance become significantly compromised with age) and hormone production (testosterone). As you age, it may be necessary to do blood work and screening more frequently, and you may need to pay closer attention to intake of certain nutrients like protein and fiber.

On Father’s Day and during Men’s Health Month, what do you want men to know or remember?

I have often found through my work as a healthcare provider and in my own personal experiences as well, men may tend to think that they need to sacrifice their health (both physically and mentally) in order to provide for and care for their loved ones and family. I would like to posit that prioritizing one’s physical and mental health allows us as men to better care for those around us, and to be able to be present in our loved one’s lives for far longer than we could otherwise. So, man up, and take care of your health!

Work With A Culina Health Dietitian

Looking for general healthy eating information? Need help managing a health condition? Whatever the reason, our registered dietitians are here to support you. Through 1:1 virtual sessions, they work with you to create a personalized care plan to help you achieve your goals. Book a session today and pay as little as $0 out of pocket with insurance.