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Is there a Connection between Weight and ED?

  • Friday 15 October 2021
  • 4 minute(s) read
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Does Being Overweight Cause ED?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that can affect men of any age. ED involves the inability to achieve and maintain an erection. For most ED cases, medications like Viagra and Cialis can help improve erection strength and sexual performance.  

Many factors can contribute to erectile dysfunction, such as an underlying health condition, damage to the vascular system from smoking, and mental disorders like depression. Studies also show that being overweight is associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction and ED. 1 But what is the connection, and how does excess weight affect penile function? 

If you are overweight or obese, your cardiovascular system can be severely affected along with your sexual function. Obesity increases your risk of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by narrowed arteries and impeded blood flow. Studies show that most men who have an artery disease like atherosclerosis experience ED symptoms before developing heart problems. Sexual health and heart health are closely interlinked, so it’s important to work towards a healthy weight range. 1  

Weight gain can often be affected by psychological causes. Stress, anxiety, and depression are often found in obese people. Antidepressants can also contribute to ED symptoms. Together, the combination of depression, antidepressants, and a lower sex drive can cause overweight men to experience sexual dysfunction. If you want to purchase ED treatment medications, visit mailMymeds to save on your prescription cost.

a man sitting in a dark hallway

How Obesity Affects Testosterone Levels

Healthy testosterone levels are critical for sexual function but being overweight can lower testosterone levels in men. Testosterone is necessary for erections because it increases the availability of a blood vessel dilator called nitric oxide. Lower levels of nitric oxide reduce erection strength, leading to ED symptoms. 

Lose Weight to Improve Erections

If you struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, speak with your healthcare provider to discuss possible solutions, including erectile dysfunction pills. Men who have a body mass index of 25.0 to 29.9 are considered overweight, while 30 or higher are considered obese and have a greater risk of hypertension, diabetes, and ED. As mentioned above, weight gain also lowers testosterone and may reduce libido. The good news is that losing weight can quickly improve testosterone levels and your overall health. 2

In an extensive study on the effect of weight loss on ED symptoms, more than 30 percent of men who participated in a weight loss regime regained normal sexual function. Over a two-year span, men in the study lost an average of 33 pounds and significantly reduced inflammation in the body. In the control group, only five percent of the men regained their sexual function. The men in this study achieved weight loss without relying on surgery or weight-loss medications. These men also reported better confidence and mental health. 3 If your doctor recommends losing weight to improve your sex life, you can try these tips.

  • Hit the gym, lift weights, and burn calories. Lifting weights can help burn calories and boost your metabolism. If your doctor approves, try hitting the gym four times a week for the best results. If you’ve never been to a gym before, most locations will have personal trainers that can guide you to different machines and equipment. If there’s no gym nearby or lifting weights isn’t an option, cardio workouts like jogging and cycling can have similar health and weight loss benefits.

a man lifting weights at a gym

  • No more refined carbs. Refined carbohydrates contain a lot of simple sugars that contribute to body inflammation and weight gain. If possible, cut back on refined carbs and replace them with whole grains. Doing so can drive down hunger even if you are eating fewer calories. A low-carb diet is beneficial for losing weight, especially for older adults.
  • Implement protein and healthy fats. When you cut down on carbohydrates, it can feel like there’s not much else to eat. This is because our modern diet revolves so much around carbs that other food groups often fall to the periphery. Beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, and plant-based protein like beans and quinoa are great food items to include in your diet. And don’t forget the veggies because they contain the vitamins necessary to maintain your immune system and fight inflammation. Finally, replace refined carbs with healthy fats from olive and avocado oil. 4

Breaking the bad habits that lead to weight gain can be difficult. However, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is worth it for your overall health and sex life. It can take many months to adjust to new dietary and exercise habits, but it gets easier. The right lifestyle habits can be kept for a lifetime with enough focus and dedication. When the body is operating optimally, the sexual organs will be as well. You can lower the price of your erectile dysfunction treatment through a certified online pharmacy.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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