Is Obesity affecting the sexual health of Men?
Introduction
Overweight and obesity have become major public health problems worldwide, since they may reduce life expectancy by 7 years at the age of 40 years. Excess bodyweight is now the sixth biggest risk factor for the cause of global morbidity and mortality. Compared to normal weight subjects, overweight and obesity increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) by 30–90%. Subjects with ED, however, tend to weigh more and have a greater waist circumference than those without, and are more likely to have hypertension and hypercholesterolemia.
A link exists between ED and the metabolic syndrome, which is characterized by insulin resistance and abdominal obesity. A higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction exists among women with metabolic syndrome compared to matched control women. Physical activity and lifestyle changes aimed at reducing body weight are associated with improvements in both erectile and endothelial functions in obese men. In addition, preliminary research suggests that a Mediterranean-style diet could improve sexual function in women with metabolic syndrome. Changing your lifestyle, including regular physical activity and a healthy diet, is an effective and safe method for preventing cardiovascular disease and premature mortality in all population groups; it may also prevent and treat sexual dysfunction for both sexes.
Low testosterone role
Males with a large amount of belly fat often have lower than normal testosterone levels, which may require treatment. Low testosterone levels are associated with increased weight gain related to high estrogen and cortisol levels in men. There are several disorders having link with low testosterone level such as,
- Irritability and depression
- Muscle loss
- Low libido
- Hair loss
- Erectile dysfunction
The connection between high BMI numbers and low testosterone levels has been found in many studies about low testosterone. It has been shown that losing weight helps increase testosterone production, which can resolve problems with erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Losing weight sometimes results in men gaining lean muscle and having normal testosterone levels once again, so they can experience normal sexual stamina and performance.
Effects of poor blood circulation on ED
Erections require an increased flow of blood to the penile region, as most men already know. Several health conditions, including inflammation, hypertension, and other conditions associated with obesity, can impair the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body.
There are many conditions that damage the inner lining of blood vessels. It is therefore much more difficult to achieve an erection when an increase in blood is not reaching the penis.
In addition to eating a diet high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and cholesterol, obese people also tend to suffer from poor nutrition. The arteries narrow and harden when you eat a low quality diet, which can be harmful to your heart and circulatory system. In addition to affecting blood flow, atherosclerosis also causes a thickening of the arteries.
Can weight loss really help Erectile dysfunction?
YES. Fortunately, weight loss can minimize, if not completely cure the erectile dysfunction. It has been scientifically shown that losing weight is one of the leading ways to restore healthy erectile function.
Researchers found promising results when they examined the connection between weight loss and erectile dysfunction. Among the men in the study who lost weight, more than 30% reported that they regained normal sexual function after losing weight. In addition, they displayed reduced inflammatory and oxidative markers, which are also related to erection maintenance and difficulty getting an erection.
Men do not need to take drastic measures in order to lose weight to cure ED, according to the study. A decrease in daily calories of 300 and increased exercise throughout the week was all participants needed to lose weight. A diet low in calories and an increase in physical activity is usually the most effective way to burn excess fat and pounds.
It is beneficial to lose weight in two ways. In addition to improving your physical health, losing weight also improves your mental health. By simply dropping a few pounds, you can cure any conditions that could cause ED, such as high blood pressure. A healthier diet will keep your arteries from narrowing and clogging, allowing blood to flow more efficiently.
Aside from feeling more confident and having higher self-esteem, losing weight also promotes a sense of self-esteem. Bedroom anxiety can be much easier to deal with when you feel and look your happiest. Positive self-images and feelings of self-worth can make a significant difference in sexual performance and stamina.
Tips for losing weight and belly fat to counter erectile dysfunction
In order to lose weight and regain control over your health, there is no shortcut. Maintaining your weight loss requires lifestyle changes that will serve you for years to come. Following are some of the most effective ways to loose weight.
- Lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be part of a balanced diet.
- sugary drinks must be replaced with low calorie or low sugary drinks.
- Drinking more water also helps in loosing fat.
- Often a combination exercise with resistance training, stretching, and cardiovascular exercises must be the part of lifestyle.
An individual can feel huge difference in the overall health by loosing weight and getting rid of excess belly fat. More importantly, regaining sexual health and confidence boost in bedroom are result of following such discipline.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/men-is-obesity-affecting-your-sex-life/
- https://prioritymensmedical.com/blog/can-belly-fat-cause-erectile-dysfunction/
- https://www.webmd.com/men/weight-erectile-dysfunction
- https://www.nature.com/articles/ijir20089
- https://www.healthline.com/health/erectile-dysfunction/weight-loss-and-ed
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