Obesity has the potential to induce ED by harming blood vessels, diminishing testosterone, and inducing widespread inflammation within the body.
Research reveales that being overweight or obese heightens the risk of ED by 30-100 percent. (Creative Commons)
When Syed (name changed), a 31-year-old man from Hyderabad, consulted a doctor for his back pain, he was informed that mild disc bulges in the lumbar region were the cause of his discomfort. He was recommended treatment along with physiotherapy to address this issue.
However, treating doctor Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, observed that Syed had abdominal obesity, with a BMI of 31. The doctor subsequently provided guidance regarding lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise to facilitate weight loss.
During a recent visit to the doctor, Syed conveyed his happiness about the back pain vanishing, and had his medication discontinued a month prior. The back extension exercises remained a part of his routine.
As he was leaving the doctor’s office, he turned back and asked, “Doctor, can I share something with you?” To which the doctor replied, “Of course, please go ahead.”
He disclosed, “It was an embarrassing situation for me. My wife and I have been married for two years. When she returned from her studies abroad, she remarked on the changes she noticed. I was not performing as well as before, and I couldn’t satisfy her. I apologise for not discussing this during my previous visits.”
My Syed (name changed) to me: “Thank you doc. You have boosted my self-esteem as well as saved our marriage. I am now able to satisfy my wife during sexual intercourse”.
31-year old Mr Syed had first consulted me about three months ago for his back pain. Evaluation had revealed…
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) August 25, 2023
Syed continued, “Now, everything has changed. Seeking your guidance was a blessing. Not only did my back pain improve, but my erectile dysfunction (ED) also showed significant progress. I’m curious to know which of the prescribed medications contributed to this improvement.”
To this, Dr Kumar replied, “Syed, it wasn’t the medications that brought about this change. Your ED was likely linked to obesity and as you achieved weight reduction, your ED also improved.”
Notably, his weight had substantially decreased, his abdominal fat had diminished, and his BMI was now 24.
Let’s first understand the science behind an erection. An erection happens when the blood vessels leading to the penis widen, allowing blood to flow in and fill them up. This process relies on the inner lining of these blood vessels, called the endothelium, releasing a chemical called nitric oxide.
“Nitric oxide works like a signal that tells the muscles in the penis to relax and, as a result, the penis gets bigger and harder. Some medications for erectile dysfunction help by increasing the amount of nitric oxide in these blood vessel linings, making it easier for the muscles to relax and the penis to become engorged with blood,” Hyderabad-based urologist Dr Varun Koti Reddy explained to South First.
“Research underscores the connection between obesity and erectile dysfunction, revealing that being overweight or obese heightens the risk of ED by 30-100 percent. This association extends to a greater risk of moderate-to-severe ED among obese men. As BMI increases, so does the risk of ED,” said Dr Sudhir Kumar.
Dr Reddy added that excess weight and obesity have the potential to induce ED by harming blood vessels, diminishing testosterone levels, and inducing a state of widespread inflammation within the body.
“The repercussions of obesity on blood vessels arise from the concurrent presence of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and inflammation, all of which can collectively contribute to vascular damage,” he explained.
“Encouragingly, the improvement in erectile function aligns with the reduction in BMI. The underlying pathophysiologic processes, involving oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin and leptin resistance, emphasise the role of obesity in metabolic syndrome and its implications for ED,” said Dr Kumar.
Syed went home thanking the doctor, “Thank you, doctor. You have boosted my self-esteem as well as saved our marriage. I am now able to satisfy my wife during sexual intercourse.” Dr Kumar added that if someone is grappling with ED, they should seek medical assistance without hesitation.
“A range of specialists, including endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and andrologists/urologists are available to provide comprehensive support for ED-related concerns,” said Dr Kumar.
“Research has taught us that you can actually enhance your ability to have erections by making some specific changes in your lifestyle. If you’re dealing with obesity, which means having a BMI greater than 30, you’re putting yourself at a higher risk for various health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and, for men, erectile dysfunction,” said Dr Reddy.
Ending things on a positive note, he added, “The good news is that you have the power to turn things around! By eating healthier, staying active, and staying away from smoking, you can significantly improve or even fix erectile dysfunction in many cases.”
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