The key difference between gynecomastia and chest fat is that gynecomastia is a condition that occurs due to the growth of breast glands, connective tissue, and fat in the male breast due to hormonal imbalances, while chest fat is a condition that occurs due to the presence of pockets of fat in the chest region in males and females as a result of being overweight.
Gynecomastia and chest fat are two conditions that are characterized by the presence of extra fat in the chest region. Both these conditions can affect males. However, chest fat can also be identified in females as well.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Gynecomastia
3. What is Chest Fat
4. Similarities – Gynecomastia and Chest Fat
5. Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat
What is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a common condition in which the breast tissue of the men enlarges and appears bigger than the normal size. The imbalance of hormones estrogen and testosterone mainly causes this condition. However, it can also be caused by a number of other factors such as birth problems (gynecomastia in babies due to estrogens in the mother), medications like anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, anti-anxiety medicines, heart medications, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs (used to treat the different cancers), recreational drugs, alcohol, aging, obesity, tumors, hyperthyroidism (too much production of thyroxine hormone), kidney failure, liver failure, cirrhosis, malnutrition, and starvation.
The symptoms of this condition may include pain in and around the breast, swollen breast tissue, firm-to-touch breasts, hard lump under the breast tissue, breasts being rounder and more proportioned, tenderness in the breast, nipple sensitivity, and nipple discharges in one or both breasts.
Moreover, gynecomastia can be diagnosed through a review of symptoms, blood tests, mammograms, CT scans, MRI, testicular ultrasounds, and tissue biopsies. Furthermore, gynecomastia can be treated through medications used to treat breast cancer and other conditions, liposuction, and mastectomy.
What is Chest Fat?
Chest fat is also called pseudo-gynecomastia. This condition is due to the pockets of fat that accumulate in the chest. In men, this condition is also referred to as ‘man boobs.’ However, chest fat can also affect females as well. Chest fat results in a distorted body shape with a heavier upper body than the lower body. Chest fat is caused by genetics that influence the amount and distribution of body fat, a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet, and infrequent exercise. The symptoms of chest fat may include breasts that may be soft to the touch, saggy or droopy breasts, breasts that do not have a well-defined shape, nipples that may project more than the rest of the chest, no nipple discharge, and no pain or tenderness.
Moreover, chest fat can be diagnosed through a physical examination of the texture of the chest. Treatment options for chest fat may include a healthy diet, exercise, and liposuction.
What are the Similarities Between Gynecomastia and Chest Fat?
- Gynecomastia and chest fat are two conditions characterized by the presence of extra fat in the chest region.
- Both these conditions can affect the males.
- Both these conditions can be diagnosed through physical symptoms evaluation.
- They can be treated through liposuction.
What is the Difference Between Gynecomastia and Chest Fat?
Gynecomastia is a condition that occurs due to the growth of breast glands, connective tissue, and fat in the male breast because of hormonal imbalances, while chest fat is a condition that occurs due to the presence of pockets of fat in the chest region in males and females as a result of being overweight. Thus, this is the key difference between gynecomastia and chest fat. Furthermore, gynecomastia only affects men, while chest fat affects both men and women.
The infographic below presents the differences between gynecomastia and chest fat in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Gynecomastia vs. Chest Fat
Gynecomastia and chest fat are two conditions that may look similar. However, these conditions have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Gynecomastia occurs due to the growth of breast glands, connective tissue, and fat in the male breast due to hormonal imbalances. Chest fat occurs due to the presence of pockets of fat in the chest region in males and females as a result of being overweight. So, this is the key difference between gynecomastia and chest fat.
Reference:
1. “Gynecomastia: What Is It, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
2. “How to Lose Chest Fat: Tips for Males and Females.” Medical News Today.
Image Courtesy:
1. “GynecomastiaFrontalAsymSevere” By JMZ1122 Dr. Mordcai Blau – (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia