How does someone know if they have gynecomastia or just is chubby?

Firm tissue = gyneco: Being overweight does bring some increase in breast size, but firm tissue diffusely increased in size in a man is the hallmark of gynecomastia.

It is breast tissue: When just chubby there is adipose (fat) tissue distributed all over the body, in gynecomastia it breast tissue with normal adipose tissue distribution. On the body like that of a teenage girl breast on a teenage boy.

Visit your doctor: The texture and firmness of male and female breast tissue varies widely. Your doctor can help decide what is normal fat vs true glandular tissue. Regardless, if it bothers a person it can be addressed surgically to eliminate embarrassment and help self esteem issues.

Physical Examination: In-person consultation with your family practitioner and/or plastic surgeon is a good place to start. Accurate history and physical examination is important. Eliminating “causes” of gynecomastia is also important. Surgical treatment usually involves partial excision of the glandular tissue plus/minus liposuction surgery. Again, much of what is recommended will depend on specific physical exam.