William
Obesity is a significant risk factor for numerous health disorders, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Recent studies have shown that obesity is also a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). This condition affects men of all ages and can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Here is what you need to know about the relationship between male obesity and erectile function.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a medical condition characterized by abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. The body mass index (BMI) is commonly used to determine obesity. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 indicates overweight, and a BMI of 30 or more is considered obese.
Disadvantages of obesity in men
There are numerous disadvantages of obesity in men, including the following:
snoring
Snoring, also known as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, has an incidence of 50%-70% in obese people, while only 2%-4% in the general population. Don’t underestimate snoring, snoring not only easily leads to poor breathing, but even apnea, hypoxia, brain damage, and in some patients, sudden cardiac death, which is life-threatening.
Lung disease
Obesity can also affect lung health. According to the British “Daily Mail” report, scientists say: obese people are more likely to get serious lung disease. Too much fat around the waist and too little exercise will lead to a range of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. In addition, too much fat will increase the body’s inflammatory response, and to a certain extent will harm the lungs.
Joint disease
Obese people’s excessive weight will increase the burden on the joints, accelerating the wear and tear of the joints, aging, and causing arthritis. In addition, obese people often have an unhealthy diet, and the intake of high-fat foods can also have a negative impact on cartilage and joints. Some serious patients have to be replaced with artificial knee joints or artificial hip joints.
Dermatological diseases
Excessive obesity tends to lead to endocrine disorders, and patients are prone to breakouts. In addition, when a person is overly obese, the amount of fat will accumulate in excess of the skin’s tolerance range, easily causing the relevant tissue to break down and form obesity lines. Dermatologists also pointed out that: because fat people sweat more, it will destroy the original function of the skin to prevent infection, prone to eczema, rash, scabies, and other skin diseases.
High blood pressure
Obese people have higher fat content in the body, the expansion of the heart and blood vessels will be restricted because of the accumulation of fat, and then prone to blockage, and poor blood flow, resulting in problems such as increased blood pressure.
Diabetes
Obesity is one of the main causes of diabetes. The incidence of diabetes is four times higher in obese people than in normal people! According to related studies, the risk of developing diabetes is 40% when the body mass index is 23-31, and up to 93.2% for women when the body mass index is 35.
Kidney disease
Obesity also affects kidney health, because obesity will directly increase the burden on the kidneys, and destroy the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to protein hyperfiltration, which can easily cause kidney disease.
Heart disease
Obesity will affect the heart’s ability to transport blood and nutrients. Especially central obese people should be more careful because compared to healthy people, they have a much greater chance of ischemic heart disease, arrhythmia, sudden death, and congestive heart failure. If one’s weight is more than 30% of the standard weight, the chances of developing coronary heart disease are also greatly increased.
Cancer
According to a paper in the International Journal of Epidemiology, being overweight before the age of 40 increases the risk of cancer. Researchers from the University of Bergen in Norway followed more than 220,000 people between 1972-2014, diagnosing 27,881 cancer cases during the follow-up period and finding 9,761 cases related to obesity. Some studies have also found that obese people with a BMI over 30 have the highest risk of cancer. The risk of cancer increased by 64% for obese men and 48% for women.
Relationship between male obesity and erectile function
Not only does obesity cause many diseases, but male obesity also affects male sexual function.
Obesity can have a significant impact on male fertility and sperm quality due to its effects on hormone secretion and sperm development. In obese men, excess white adipose tissue in the body can lead to reduced testosterone levels and increased estradiol levels, ultimately disrupting the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This disruption can lead to impaired spermatogenesis, reduced fertility, and a decreased number of sperm.
Research has shown that weight loss can significantly improve sperm quality in obese men. In one study, men who lost an average of 16.5 kg through diet control and exercise experienced a 50% increase in sperm concentration and a 40% increase in sperm count after eight weeks of weight loss. These improvements were maintained after one year of sustained weight loss, with men who maintained their weight loss having twice as many sperm as they did before weight loss. However, those who regained weight saw their sperm quality return to its previous state.
In addition to hormonal effects, obesity can also impact sperm development due to the increased temperature in the scrotal area caused by excess fat. This can affect the vitality and concentration of sperm and even impact the ability to conceive healthy babies during family planning.
How to lose weight
Losing weight is a process that requires a combination of healthy eating, regular physical activity, and making sustainable lifestyle changes. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Consult a registered dietitian
A registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized eating plan to fit your individual needs. They can also provide guidance on managing portion sizes, increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, and choosing nutrient-dense foods.
Choose a healthy eating pattern
Choose an eating pattern that emphasizes whole, minimally processed foods, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid sugary drinks, processed foods, and foods high in saturated fat.
Increase your physical activity
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week. Incorporating regular resistance training into your routine can also help build muscle and increase metabolism.
Set realistic goals
Make small, achievable goals that focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes. Celebrate your successes along the way to stay motivated to continue your journey.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep you feeling full, reduce cravings, and support overall health.
Remember that losing weight is a gradual and sustainable process, and it’s important to be patient with yourself along the way.
Conclusion
Male obesity and erectile dysfunction are closely related. Excessive body weight can cause significant health problems, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and several types of cancer.
Obesity can also damage the blood vessels that supply the penis, resulting in difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as regular exercise and a balanced diet can help achieve and maintain a healthy weight, promoting optimal erectile function and overall health.
