Improving your sex life or preventing it from declining are good reasons to lose weight. Dropping a few pounds can significantly improve your performance in bed. A BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 defines obesity. It is an unhealthy condition that can increase the risk of developing several health conditions. Excess weight can contribute to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. While these diseases are commonly discussed, not many people know that obesity can cause sexual dysfunction in men and women.

In fact, it is a proven independent factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). Obesity and erectile dysfunction are closely linked health conditions, with many overweight men experiencing a poor sex life. Other risk factors associated with ED include age, low testosterone, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. That said, many conflicting studies suggest that the risk factors tied with obesity and erectile dysfunction may be the reason experts associate the two conditions.

Click here to learn more about obesity and its connection with erectile dysfunction!

The Effect of Obesity on ED

Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is a serious health condition affecting several men. While age is the most common risk factor for ED, research suggests that obesity also plays a huge part. The condition affects men’s ability to achieve an erection and maintain it long enough. Many men constantly experience the issue, while others occasionally find it hard to sustain an erection.

It shouldn’t be worrisome not being able to get an erection once in a while. But, you may need to consult a medical professional if you experience the problem regularly. They may be able to identify the cause and provide a suitable treatment plan. Let’s see the impact of obesity on erectile dysfunction.

Understanding Testosterone and Sex Drive in Men

The link between a drop in testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction is unclear. However, testosterone surely affects the sex drive. Men with high testosterone levels report a greater sex drive than men with low testosterone levels.

Various studies and reports reveal that obesity impacts testosterone levels. A 4-inch increase in waist size can lead to a 75 percent decrease in testosterone. As a result, testosterone deficiency decreases sex drive, ultimately causing erectile dysfunction. Excess weight may also contribute to other symptoms like mood changes and fatigue. Seeing a doctor to lose weight and taking medication can help boost testosterone levels and sex drive.

Checking Your Vascular Health

Excess weight reduces blood circulation throughout the body, causing inflammation in the blood vessels. As the inflammation spreads, it can possibly extend to the lining of the blood vessels. They can become narrower and restrict blood flow. A restricted circulation presents stress on the entire circulatory system. In many cases, it affects the blood flow in the penis, making erection a problem. As such, obesity can increase the risk or contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign for vascular health conditions and circulatory problems. Plaque can block the passageway, preventing extra blood from traveling to the penis and staying there during sex. In simpler terms, blocked arteries can make it hard to achieve or maintain an erection long enough. You may want to check your cholesterol levels and get a stress test for cardiovascular health.

Does Losing Weight Help with Erections?

It is a common misconception that you must hide and suffer silently if you’re experiencing difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. Erectile dysfunction can result from various underlying health conditions, including obesity. Treating the root cause can help reverse ED and help restore sexual function. If you're overweight, a weight loss plan can help you regain your ability to last longer in bed. Plus, you also get the added benefit of improving your overall health.

A study involving two groups of men examined the effects of weight loss on ED. Half of the men followed a medical weight loss treatment, while the other half didn’t. Ones who followed a weight loss plan were able to lose approximately 15 percent of their body weight within two years. One-third of these men saw an improvement in their sexual performance.

Could it be Psychological?

All men struggle with sexual performance at some point in their lives. Erectile dysfunction is a common sexual problem that affects as many as thirty million men in the US. If regular, it is usually the result of an underlying health condition. Factors like excessive smoking and drinking, diabetes, and obesity can make it difficult to get and maintain an erection. For some men, psychological problems tend to lead to erectile dysfunction.

It is easy to detect, diagnose and treat psychological disorders like anxiety, stress, and depression. Besides, relationship problems and fear of erectile dysfunction can affect sexual performance in men. A troubled relationship with your partner can affect your mood and reduce your sex drive, making it difficult to maintain an erection. Similarly, low self-esteem can affect your ability to function normally during a sexual encounter.

Can Medications Help?

It is possible to reverse erectile dysfunction by making a few lifestyle changes. If you have a BMI greater than 30, it is high time to adopt a weight loss plan. It can prevent your risk of hypertension, blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction. However, you may also need medications to treat obesity and ED. Weight loss medications like choline, inositol, and hCG can help increase metabolism and reduce fat. These medications will ultimately improve your health and help you perform better in bed.

On the other hand, erectile dysfunction pills are also common to treat erectile dysfunction. Tadalafil and Sildenafil serve as PDES inhibitors that relax the blood vessels in and leading to the penis. It eventually improves and increases blood flow for an erection. Another ED treatment known as the PT-141 peptide therapy impacts the nervous system to increase sexual arousal. Ideally, you should get a customized treatment plan that suits your specific needs.

Treatment Options

If you’re overweight and suffering from erectile dysfunction, you can regain your sexual function through various treatment plans. You can focus on a weight loss plan to reduce the effects of obesity on your ability to get an erection and maintain it during intercourse. Or, you can use a combination of treatments. Here are the most common treatment options for men who have erectile dysfunction.

• Increase daily physical activity: Adding regular exercise and a realistic workout plan to your daily routine can aid weight management and ultimately improve your sexual function. Additionally, it can decrease stress and boost mood, improving the sex drive.

• Focus on psychological health: Depression, anxiety, and stress are common causes of weight gain. Various pieces of research suggest a strong connection between obesity and depression. Treating mental health disorders can help with weight management. Furthermore, it can help you cope with fear and doubts regarding your sexual performance.

• Consult a doctor: A medical professional can prescribe medication to control cravings and hunger, aiding weight loss. Additionally, they can help you treat other health conditions that may be contributing to ED. You can also take medicines to improve your sexual health and reverse erectile dysfunction.