A growing number of men are having cosmetic surgery to reduce the amount of tissue in their chest area, investigators have found.

Some men - particularly those who are overweight or who smoke cannabis - have excess tissue which can make them develop man boobs or 'moobs'.

The condition, which is called gynaecomastia, is often caused by an excess of the female hormone oestrogen.

However, it can be treated with male breast reduction surgery, according to Raj Ragoowansi, a consultant plastic surgeon at London's St Bartholomew's Hospital.

The surgeon told BBC Radio1's Newsbeat that there has been a large increase in the number of men asking for surgery over the last three months.

He explained: "This becomes a particular embarrassment for that person and they either become reclusive or shy.

"It also affects their confidence and their self-esteem and they tend to adjust their social lives and fashion accordingly."

Male breast reduction surgery may involve liposuction or surgical excision of breast tissue, depending on whether the condition is caused by fat deposits or fibrous breast gland tissue.