Last Updated on February 29, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent medical condition. Men with ED are unable to achieve and maintain sufficient penile erection. It is predominant in older men, but it can affect men of any age. ED impacts sexual health. But it also causes psychological distress and strains relationships. Early recognition and comprehensive management of ED are crucial for improving well-being. The article discusses the link between obesity and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Which risk factors can cause erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is a disease that indicates dysfunction throughout the body. There are many underlying risk factors for it.
High blood pressure is a major cause of ED. It prevents the relaxation of erectile tissue. Studies show that 30 to 50% of men suffering from hypertension develop ED. Men with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing ED. Additionally, they develop ED 10 to 15 years earlier than the average ED patient.
Smoking is also a cause of erectile dysfunction in men. High cholesterol levels in the blood are also a risk factor for ED. They cause excessive inflammation in the body. Psychological pressure can also cause ED. Depression and ED are closely interconnected. Depression medicines can induce ED.
How are obesity and ED linked?
Abnormal body weight can promote ED. Individuals who have a higher-than-normal weight suffer from obesity. A body mass index (BMI) of 25 to 29.9 can be referred to as over-weight. People suffering from obesity have a BMI of 30 or more. Studies show that the greater the BMI, the higher the chances of ED.
Obesity causes complications like heart disease, diabetes, and hormonal imbalance. These complications are responsible for erectile dysfunction. Penile erection occurs when the blood vessels widen and blood rushes to the organ. For this function, the muscles around the blood vessels need to relax. The lining of the blood vessels (endothelium) releases nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscles.
Excessive fat tissue in obesity releases inflammatory chemicals, causing unnecessary inflammation. Moreover, the high fatty acids in the blood also cause inflammation in the body. This inflammation destroys the lining of blood vessels. Additionally, it restricts the release of nitric oxide from the lining. Thus, obesity disturbs the endothelial function responsible for penile erection.
Leptin resistance occurs in obesity. It is the hormone that controls appetite. This is why a person feels hungry because of obesity. Leptin also has a role in reproductive function. Its resistance in higher BMI individuals causes lesser testosterone release. Low testosterone concentrations lead to erectile dysfunction.
Thus, there is a link between obesity and ED. Obesity increases the chances of developing ED. In addition to ED, obesity is also a risk factor for cancer.
How does weight loss help ED patients suffering from obesity?
Studies show weight loss improves erectile function in men with obesity. Weight loss serves as an additional treatment along with medicines in ED.
Lifestyle interventions like eating a healthy diet and engaging in physical activity help with weight loss. Engaging in 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week helps maintain a healthy weight. Moderate-intensity activities are brisk walking, mowing, biking at a usual pace, and actively playing with children.
A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Further, it has a variety of proteins, such as eggs, lean meats, legumes, soy products, nuts, and seeds. It should be low in sugars, sodium, saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol. A calorie-deficit diet is most effective for weight loss. Studies recommend taking a low-calorie diet with low fat and low carbohydrate content. A high-calorie breakfast and overnight fasting may help reduce obesity.
People with a higher BMI and erectile dysfunction may benefit from weight loss.
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