Magazines / Audience Response to Men's Health

Identification – Uses & Gratifications Model – Cover models represent a role model for the readers. Aspirations to look like them/have their physique.

Education - Uses & Gratifications Model – Audiences use the text as a way to educate themselves about diet, health and fitness. The magazine gives useful advice to a trusting reader. The Experts Advisors section provides the readers with the possibility of asking the doctors from different specialities (e.g. cardiology, mental health, nutrition, and weight loss).

Audience Pleasure – Identifying enigmas and attempting to answer them. For example “Undo a decade of damage in days.” Readers want to know what damage is being referred to and what the quick fix is to put it right.

Reception Theory – A typically hyper masculine, toned, attractive cover model is used as a visual representation of what it means to be a man. The producer’s intended/preferred meaning, is fully understood and accepted by many.
A negotiated position from some audience members might be to acknowledge the cover star’s physique/strength/look but believe that it is unobtainable for them. However, they are happy to read the magazine and follow the advice to make small changes in their lives to improve their overall health.