Can't take my shirt off in public

[hatemychest55]

Hey guys.

To start off, I just am about to turn 16, am 6'1, 140 pounds, with 18.5% BMI and 7% body fat, and have played competitive soccer every year since I was 5. All in all, I am in good shape.

Since I have been a teenager I have never been able to take my shirt off in public because I have these ridiculously embarrassing manboobs! At parties I will make up excuses why I don't swim, and I have to make up reasons to girlfriends why I don't want to take my shirt off. In P.E, I always wear an undershirt while changing and I faked being injured when we swam. It is absolute hell doing all of this every day and I can't stand looking at them.

I've tried using dumbbells to do chest exercises, and have tried running programs, but nothing changes on my chest. I even lost 20 pounds to pneumonia and everything got thinner except for my chest. Right now I am currently on a 15-20 mile a day running setup in an effort to get rid of them.

I just met a new girl and I don't want this to keep plaguing my life.

I don't want to hear "it's just puberty" because no one else at my school or anyone I know has this problem so I want a different answer. I attached a picture (if it doesn't look that bad in the pic, its worse then it seems.)


Thanks guys.. really hoping for some help.

[Oblivion]

Maybe you should talk to a doctor about specific exercises that could help lose the extra flab/or tighten the muscle there. It looks worse than it should be for an almost underweight person (don't worry, your weight is normal, just close to underweight- 18.5 is the exact margin between normal and underweight). There may be a medical reason for it. Never know.

Moving to General Hospital

[MoveAlong]

I would suggest talking to a doctor. it might be embarrassing, but literally that is the only thing that could get you a really good answer. That's what they're there for. We can't diagnose anything on here.
Also bring up Gynecomastia when you talk to him. It might be that (don't worry you won't die from it lol...if you have questions about Gynecomastia just copy the word into google and search)

[byee]

Ok, you already know they're caused by hormones and they're temporary.

Still, I can understand why they bother you. Losing general weight won't help, b/c it's not a fat deposit there, it's actual breast development caused by the hormones. Likewise, running or 'staying in shape' won't help them, although that's always a good idea to be healthful, keep it up.

Specific exercises that work the pectoral muscles, those right under the breast, that extend from the shoulder ball to the sternum/breast bone in the middle are what you need. The easiest ( and perhaps most efficient) are simple push ups. Start slowly and build your way up, don't let your eagerness to lose the breasts get ahead of you, otherwise you'll be really sore, which will just set your exercise back.

[Antares]

Okay, by the picture I can tell you have a very inverted sternum. This is somewhat common and I think this may add to your problem.
However, I still think you have gynacomastia. I think you should see a doctor on the treatment. There really isn't much you can do about it but as I just read on Wiki, there are experimental treatments.
Otherwise there is nothing you can do. You just got to live with it if they can't do anything. You are in good physical shape and you should be proud. Work on your abs to try to detract attention from your breasts ;)
Good luck :D

[Stevo 69]

It's normal, this happens during puberty as there can be too many hormones, if they do not subside after puberty then you need to worry a little, but you should go to a doctor for reassurance if you are too worried

[zdallasz]

well theres a kid in my grade that has the exact problem (ninth grade) and i dont know if this will help but try to think one kid at each school has the same problem?

[bowlheadhere]

I would recommend talking to a doctor so he can diagnose our condition specifically. I know what the condition is, I just don't remember what it is called. My friend HAD it, but it went away after his doctor told/gave him something.

[pkid]

Yea, i agree with everyone..You should talk with a doctor..my friend sort of has the same problem..well not really because his is that both of his nipples are like an inch or two going out.. its like a sharp mountain..

[Φρανκομβριτ]

it looks to be just your build. What I suggest is sit down with this girl when you think things are getting pretty serious (but not too serious!) and explain to her. If she really likes you, it won't matter. You shouldn't be ashamed of your body. You are perfectly healthy, although I can imagine it must be a pain in the ass. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions on altering it. Best of luck!

[IanMilo]

you may be just to skinny just get a little more "big and it might even out??? i am freakishly skinny and look like a dog that hasnt eaten in two weeks so my ribcage,nipples,and etc. lok like big

[Viral Death]

That is the scariest thing I have ever seen on a human! You should go and see a doctor!

[XanderJb]

Hi, I have the same condition. It's called gynecomastia which is basicly the inflamation of your nipples due to a swelled mass under your nipple. The best way to help with gynecosmastia is to take zinc or some kind of vitamin that will reduce the amount of estrogen that your body makes. If all else fails it should be over in just a few years. If not it will more that likely be gone by the end of puberty.

[foof1]

see a doctor because they could really help you

[WEO]

Gynecomastia. Yep I Had it too. its really fucking irritating thing to have. SOME peoples gynecomastia goes away but some dont. I had myne removed with surgery(like MANY OTHERS) and I suggest you do the same, the sooner the better coz as long as they are under your chest you feel like shit.

Tell your mom and dad about it, go see a docter and tell them you want it to be removed with surgery. Heres a forum you can join for this:
] ..Check it out.

[google_lover]

I would advise talking to your doctor. During puberty, hormones are flying everywhere. It could be caused by a hormone imbalance.

[kyle95]

first get over ur shyness. it's a problem and girls are very thoughtful and supportive. so tell her about it, she'll be fine if she likes you. so people look, big deal mate. there are chaps moving about without limbs who'd gladly trade places with you. be confident mate, no one's perfect

[Bougainvillea]

You should get that workout pump that ladies use to make their boobez more firm lol