Unraveling the Connection Between Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction
Obesity has always been a silent perpetrator of many diseases, including heart disease, menstrual problems, high blood pressure, and Diabetes.
However, one of the often overlooked effects of obesity is its role in causing Erectile Dysfunction in men.
A complex biological relationship exists between obesity and Erectile Dysfunction, which needs a proper understanding for treatment.
Read on to find out how obesity and ED are linked and the possible treatment options available.
How obesity causes Erectile Dysfunction
Surveys that link obesity and Erectile Dysfunction in men are good, but it is more important to know how obesity can affect the body.
It is important to know the biological role of obesity that causes ED in men.
Obesity is linked with Insulin resistance and inflammation of the adipose fat tissues in the body.
These two factors affect the body in the following ways:
Adipose Tissue inflammation
The adipose tissues secrete a peptide hormone, Leptin, which is affected by obesity.
Obesity increases the circulation of Leptins, which reduces the secretion of Androgenic hormones like Testosterone.
Testosterone production depends on Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), whose secretion is affected by the disturbed balance of the Leptin hormone.
Furthermore, the adipose tissues of obese individuals release Cytokines (immunity-controlling proteins), which cause damage to the Endothelial tissues.
These adverse effects of Testosterone reduction and Endothelial damage result in ED.
Insulin Resistance
Problems in nitric oxide metabolism, accompanied by Erectile Dysfunction in men, are caused by Insulin resistance.
The amount of triglycerides, cholesterol, and C-reactive proteins (inflammation proteins) in the body of obese men directly correlates with Insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance also prevents the repair and regeneration of Endothelial cells.
Endothelial damage reduces nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which decreases smooth muscle contraction in the penis.
Endothelial cell damage is the major cause of ED in men with obesity.
These tissues help in storing fat in the body in the form of fat droplets.
Overweight Erectile Dysfunction Treatment
Since Insulin resistance and Leptin disruption are the two major pathways through which obesity can cause Erectile Dysfunction in men, treating these two factors can help to cure ED.
Previously used to cure only Insulin resistance, Metformin has shown good results in research trials to treat Leptin disruption, too.
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) inhibiting drugs can also treat ED caused by obesity.
Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE-5) is an enzyme in the body that relaxes smooth muscles, linked to the vascular conditions that lead to ED in patients.
Vardenafil is a fast-acting PDE-5 inhibiting drug prescribed for treating ED in men.
Although Sildenafil (Viagra) is another good drug that helps cure obesity-induced ED in men, it needs more trials to understand its safety as a medication.
Symptomatic treatment of ED can also be done with Tadalafil (Cialis), but it does not affect the connection between obesity and Erectile Dysfunction.
Cialis failed to show any improvement in reducing Insulin resistance, but it increased ??cells (cells that make Insulin) in the pancreas, which is beneficial.
Another drug, Udenafil (Zydena), is under trial to treat ED caused by obesity since it has been shown to reduce fat deposits in mice fed a high-calorie diet.
Lifestyle changes to reduce obesity and Erectile Dysfunction
Medications are not always the only option for overweight Erectile Dysfunction treatment.
There are some changes in your lifestyle and dietary habits that you can introduce, which help to relieve the effects of obesity-induced ED.
Some of these lifestyle changes and their effects are as follows:
- Engaging in aerobic exercises like walking and moderate sports have been shown to reduce weight, increase Insulin sensitivity, and reduce visceral fat and lipids
- Eating a low-carbohydrate diet as compared to a low-fat diet has proved to be more efficient in losing weight
- Drinking plenty of water and having a nutritionally balanced diet for better health
These tips are sufficient to lose weight and thus help treat obesity-related ED in men.
Takeaway
Obesity can cause serious reproductive health concerns in men like Erectile Dysfunction.
The relationship between obesity and Erectile Dysfunction is complex and has two main pathways: Insulin resistance and Leptin disruption.
Insulin resistance causes damage to the Endothelial cells in the penis, causing ED.
Leptin disruptions cause a decrease in the testosterone hormone in men, resulting in weaker erections and ED.
Moreover, special enzymes like PDE-5 also play a role in causing ED in patients.
The treatment options include Metformin, Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil.
Healthy lifestyle practices like weight loss, aerobic exercises, and a diet low in carbohydrates and essential nutrients are important to lose weight and reduce obesity in adults.
Lifestyle changes can help to reduce weight and relieve the patients from the effects of ED.
Consulting a healthcare professional before taking any medications is important to avoid side effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is obesity associated with Erectile Dysfunction?
Yes, obesity is associated with Erectile Dysfunction in patients. Many studies have shown that obese and overweight individuals have significantly higher risks of developing ED. If you are overweight, you are more prone to ED symptoms and must consult your doctor for professional help.
How does obesity cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Obesity affects in two major ways: increased adipose (fatty) tissues and Insulin resistance. The adipose tissues disrupt the function of Leptin hormones, which causes a reduction in Testosterone. Insulin resistance causes Endothelial cell damage in the penile tissues. These factors combined cause ED in obese patients.
Can losing weight cure Erectile Dysfunction?
Losing weight can help to cure Erectile Dysfunction since it reduces the fatty tissues and lipids in the body and develops insulin sensitivity. Moderate aerobic exercise like brisk walking, a diet low in carbohydrates and processed sugars and rich in micronutrients is ideal for losing weight and curing ED.
What is overweight Erectile Dysfunction treatment?
The treatment for obesity-induced Erectile Dysfunction involves using Metformin, a drug that helps bring back the Leptin hormone to its natural levels. The treatment also includes the use of PDE-5 inhibiting drugs like Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil, and Avanafil, which help to target Insulin resistance and provide symptomatic treatment.
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