Research suggests that obesity and obesity-related diseases are potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). In these cases, losing weight may help improve erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction is common and a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a health issue in itself. Treating the underlying cause can help reverse ED.
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According to the review, obesity increases the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress to the body’s cells and tissues. This, in turn, can lead to health issues that may cause or contribute to ED, such as:
- Leptin resistance: This is a condition in which the brain does not respond typically to the hormone leptin. This hormone derives from fat or “adipose” tissue in the body and helps influence hunger and food intake. Leptin resistance can lead to overeating, obesity, and low testosterone levels. The latter may reduce a person’s sex drive.
- lnsulin resistance: This is a condition in which the cells in the muscle, fat, and liver do not respond properly to the hormone insulin. This makes them
less able to take up glucose from the blood to use as energy. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to help glucose enter the body’s cells. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to diabetes, which is a risk factor for ED. - Diabetes: As the American Diabetes Association explains, diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the penis, leading to ED. Some of the medications people use to control their diabetes or manage their diabetes symptoms may also cause or contribute to ED.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) notes that obesity may cause other health issues that damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of ED. These include:
- widespread inflammation, known as systemic inflammation
- high blood pressure hypertension
- hypercholesterolemia, which is an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood
- hypertriglyceridemia, which is an increase in fats known as triglycerides in the blood
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The study authors concluded that weight loss could serve as an add-on therapy for ED in males with excess weight.
According to the OAC, losing just 10% of body weight across a 2-month period can lead to improvements in ED.
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According to the review, weight loss can improve ED by boosting testosterone levels and improving blood glucose levels. The latter can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications that may cause or contribute to ED.
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According to the American Urological Association (AUA), there are five potential causes of ED, and some of these are treatable with diet and exercise.
The five potential causes are:
- problems with blood flow to the penis
- problems with the penis’s ability to store blood during an erection
- problems with nerve signaling traveling from the brain or spinal cord to the penis
- psychological or emotional factors
- use of certain medications, such as:
- blood pressure medications
- antihistamines
- antidepressants
- ulcer medications
The first three issues can occur as a result of metabolic issues relating to overweight and obesity.
If this is the case, the AUA states that a person may notice an improvement in their erectile function simply by implementing certain lifestyle factors, such as:
- increasing their physical activity levels
- losing excess weight
- following a healthy diet
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- Setting realistic goals: For example, a person may set a short-term goal of doing 30 minutes of exercise per day to help them achieve the longer-term goal of losing 3% to 5% of their overall body weight.
- Tracking eating habits: A person can use a food diary or tracking app to learn more about their eating habits, such as what they eat, how much, and when.
- Controlling portion sizes: The
AHA can help people better understand the difference between a portion and a serving size and the effects of each on their weight management and overall health. - Being physically active: The
AHA recommends that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, such as running, per week, or some combination of the two. - Making smart food choices: A person can aim to make smart food choices and healthy substitutions that keep them feeling fuller for longer.
Healthy snack substitutesSome healthy and filling snack examples
include:
- sliced apple with peanut butter
- sliced pear with low fat cottage cheese
- vegetables paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce
- unsalted nuts and seeds
- unsweetened dried fruits, such as unsweetened raisins, dates, or figs
- fat-free or low fat plain yogurt with fruit
- low fat dairy milk, or plain and unsweetened oat or almond milk
The AUA offers the following tips for managing ED:
- quitting smoking, if applicable
- avoiding or limiting alcohol
- following a nutritious diet
- being physically active
- losing excess weight, and maintaining a moderate weight
- talking with a doctor about switching medications that may be causing or contributing to ED, asking them if it is possible to adjust the medication dosages
- talking with a therapist about issues that may be affecting libido or sex life
A person can contact their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of ED. In some cases, doctors may recommend medical treatments for ED.
ED treatmentsLearn more about treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Research suggests that obesity can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). This is because obesity can reduce testosterone levels and libido.
It also increases the risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases that can impair the function of the nerves and blood vessels necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
If someone experiences symptoms of ED, they need to speak with a doctor. The doctor will work to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatments.