The dangers of obesity are very well known – numerous studies have shown that this condition is directly linked to numerous other health conditions, most notably, high cholesterol, diabetes and problems with blood pressure. With the grim statistics placing being overweight as one of the top health problems of the 21st century, it seems that obesity is truly becoming a kind of pandemic. Subsequently, obesity-related health issues have been steadily on the rise in the last couple of decades.

Among other issues, the research has shown that there is a strong correlation between obesity and erectile dysfunction. While being overweight leads to sexual problems in both sexes according to medical experts1, this problem has a whole different dimension when it comes to men. In this article, we will explore different ways in which obesity can cause ED and related issues, while also paying attention to possible ways in which this problem can be remedied.

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Obesity and impotence: where is the link?

Strong evidence for a correlation between these two conditions can be found by simply looking at the statistics. It seems that overweight men are two and a half times more likely to be affected by ED compared to men with optimal body mass index (BMI for short).2 Let’s put that into a context that is more accessible for a layman. The studies have shown that 10cm increase in waist circumference is enough to increase the chances of being affected by ED by staggering 75%! In comparison, ageing 10 years will increase those chances by just 36%3 meaning that being overweight poses a greater risk of impotence than ageing! Now, how does that change your view of these problems?

With studies showing that one in every seven overweight men has significant testosterone deficiency, it’s not surprising that BMI of 28 (classified as overweight, yet not obese) is enough to increase odds of developing impotence problems by as much as 90%. There are numerous ways in which being overweight can cause troubles with erectile function and leave you needing Viagra to get your sex life back on track. Here, we will explore the most common ones.

Obesity and testosterone deficiency

Probably the best-known way in which obesity can be linked to impotence is through testosterone deficiency. Countless studies have shown that there is a direct and worrying relation between obesity and lower levels of testosterone. As a major male hormone, testosterone plays a fundamental role in numerous physiological and biological processes and characteristics, including deeper voice, larger muscles, stronger bone structure, bear growth, but also for the development of the male reproductive organs, libido and sex drive in general.

And as far relation to impotence is concerned, the explanation is rather straightforward. Lower levels of testosterone will contribute to lower libido and in some cases, even complete lack of sex drive. If this occurs, no other problems need to be present in order to cause ED. Without the desire to have sex, the erection will be absent, and not even impotence pills could make a significant change.

Obesity-linked health conditions and erectile dysfunction

Aside from lack of testosterone, obesity can cause many other complications and health conditions that can impair normal erectile function. Most importantly, obesity is directly linked to numerous diseases of the cardiovascular system with most common being:

  • High levels of bad (LDL) cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Atherosclerosis
  • Heart diseases

As is evident, all of these conditions affect the cardiovascular system and more precisely, the condition of the blood vessels. Here, we need to shortly stray away from the main topic and take a look at the physiological mechanism behind erection in order to better understand how being overweight can interfere with that process.

From a biological and medical standpoint, gaining an erection is a very complex process that involves a series of chemical reactions and a feedback loop between the nervous system, muscles, hormones and blood vessels. A lack of any of those elements will result in ED – in the previous example, low testosterone, it was the hormonal level that was lacking, while in obesity-related medical condition, the damage of the blood vessels is the root cause. With unhealthy arteries, the blood flow within the penis cannot become strong enough to produce a lasting erection.

Can being overweight cause emotional/psychological ED?

Another often overlooked aspect of the relation between obesity and impotence is the impact being overweight can have on self-esteem and self-image of an individual. Even when an individual isn’t obese, but simply overweight, his condition can make it very uncomfortable for him to engage in sexual activity, due to a fear of being unattractive. While it might not sound like much, physical appearance and our attitude towards it can create significant difficulties in the bedroom. With constant anxiety caused by their physique, many overweight men are simply “blocked” by their emotional state and cannot achieve an erection due to psychological factors. However, it would seem that emotional factors play a significant role in only a small percentage of overweight men affected by ED.4

What can I do?

Of course, the most direct and reliable way to solve impotence-related issues caused by obesity is to lose weight. This might not be the fastest method but will definitely yield the results. And not only that – by losing weight you’ll not only improve your sex life but also health condition in general. Numerous studies have shown that in a vast majority of cases, the damage done is reversible. However, you would need to be proactive about it, making significant lifestyle changes and a constant effort to lead a healthier life.

Can Viagra help?

Viagra can be surprisingly effective in the treatment of obesity-induced impotence, but only in those cases where the problem is directly related to the damage of the blood vessels. So, if ED issues are caused by high cholesterol, atherosclerosis or similar conditions, PDE-5 inhibitors, impotence pills that rely on the same mechanism of action as Viagra can be used as a treatment.

This is because PDE-5 inhibitors, Viagra included, work by inhibiting the effects of phosphodiesterase enzymes type 5, ensuring the dominance of cGMP molecules within the penis which, in turn, helps keep the arteries widened and blood flow sufficient enough for a strong and long-lasting erection.

References:

  1. Obesity and Sexual Dysfunction – NCBI
  2. Gain Weight, Lose your Sex Life – Everyday Health
  3. Obesity: Unhealthy and unmanly – Harvard Health Publishing
  4. Obesity Linked to Erectile Dysfunction – Web MD