Is Belly Fat a Significant Risk Factor for ED?
July 30, 2022
Some people believe when it comes to shedding unwanted pounds that men have a distinct advantage over women. The truth is, there is much more to it than that. Men tend to naturally have more lean muscle, which can burn additional calories (even when at rest). That alone may allow men to lose more weight over the short term.
"Men are more prone to gain weight around the middle. With that said, the fat women find is hardest to lose is generally the least harmful to health."
Yale School of Medicine
An overweight male can be thankful for the extra testosterone, whereas women can blame the extra estrogen for their scattered fat stores. Nonetheless, having extra belly fat is a double-edged sword as excess fat around the waist comes with a handful of men’s health risks, including getting and maintaining a healthy erection. So, it is advantageous that men naturally lose weight at a faster pace and where they most need to lose it.
Losing fat may be easier for men but..
Many men fail to recognize that erectile dysfunction is often a sign of an underlying health issue, such as poor blood circulation; but, could excess belly fat actually cause erectile problems? Yes, it can. In a study published by the National Institute of Health, a two-year trial followed 110 obese men who were experiencing erectile dysfunction. To isolate potential causes, patients with coronary artery disease, diabetes, high alcohol intake, psychiatric problems, and hypertension were not chosen to participate in the study. In the end, the obese men chosen proved to be highly motivated and lost about 15% of excess weight, which resulted in one third of the group being able to cure their erectile dysfunction.
Although weight loss typically comes from both a reduced calorie intake and an increased physical activity, it seemed to be increased physical activity that helped reduce rates of ED in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. In fact, male participants who initiated physical activity in midlife had a seventy percent reduction in rates of erectile dysfunction when compared to men in sedentary control groups. Men randomly assigned to the intervention were put on a weight loss program that included personal dietary counseling, exercise advice, regular meetings with a nutritionist, and a personal trainer. Researchers concluded the trial supports a non-pharmacologic option for restoring erectile function while also delivering other health benefits.
Not All Fat Is Created Equal
Having some fat on your body is not a bad thing but not all body fat is the created equal. It’s important to distinguish between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat. Visceral fat, which is often referred to as a beer belly, is internal fat that is located deep within the abdominal cavity. On the other hand, subcutaneous fat that is affectionately known as love handles is a superficial fat located between the skin and the abdominal wall. Visceral fat is more dangerous as it increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Subcutaneous fat is relatively harmless and generally does not contribute to sexual health problems. Visceral fat has been linked to lower testosterone production, poor erections, and disrupted ejaculation.
Having an erection is a cardiovascular event. If the endothelium is damaged by excess belly fat, it may not release enough nitric oxide, which is the molecule that signals muscle tissue to relax so the blood vessels can dilate creating an erection. Conversely, if blood flow cannot increase because the blood vessels cannot dilate normally, then there is a decrease in erectile function. Men who are affected by obesity may also have elevated cholesterol, hypertension, and high blood pressure, all of which contribute to erectile dysfunction. Since being sexually active and living a sexually fulfilled lifestyle are necessary for a happy, healthy life, seek help from a men’s sexual health professional if you are suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Erectile Dysfunction in Overweight Men
It was proven that erectile disorders in obese men are significantly more frequent than in the general population, and beyond any doubts, obesity is an independent risk factor of erectile dysfunction. In a European study, 79% of men presenting erectile disorders had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 kg/m2 or greater. BMI in the range 25-30 kg/m2 is associated with 1.5 times greater risk of sexual dysfunction. The occurrence of erectile dysfunction in participants with a range over 30 kg/m2 resulted in an increased risk that was 3 times greater. In conclusion, scientists identified a number of sexual complications (including ED) that they also believed were related to stored body fat. Evidence suggests that in the United States around eight million cases of erectile dysfunction can be linked directly to excess belly fat.
SOURCE: Obesity: Significant Risk Factor for Erectile Dysfunction in Men – PubMed.gov
After all is said and done, shedding pounds is hard work for both women and men. But, a man can lose belly fat to improve his sexual health. He just has to be committed to doing it. Dr. Earl Eye is a healthcare professional with over 40 years of experience in men’s sexual health. Dr. Eye is ready to help end your problems with ED for good. To set up an appointment today, call 904-500-5500
