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It’s commonly known that smoking, excessive drinking, and substance abuse can be detrimental to our health. However, another hidden danger lurking beneath the surface that we often overlook is belly fat.
That’s right, that bulging stomach you’ve been carrying around isn’t only bad for your physical health, it also has vast ramifications on your sexual health too.
In the US, more than one-third (38.5%) of men are classified as overweight or worse. In a society that embraces and accepts this norm, a lot of the harmful effects of being overweight get swept under the rug until it’s too late.
Furthermore, the problem is also exacerbated the more weight you put on.
While we all know that belly fat can be subdued with a proper diet and exercise, a question that pops into many individuals’ minds is how exactly is belly fat connected to sexual health.
And truthfully, it’s not as simple as you might think.
Let’s explore the link between belly fat and erectile dysfunction and offer some tips on how to maintain a healthy weight for optimal sexual health.
How Does Belly Fat Affect Your Health?
Obesity is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fat in the body. It’s not exclusively an American phenomenon—over 650 million worldwide are classified as overweight or obese.
While it may not seem as grave as any other health condition given its high prevalence, obesity is quite serious. For starters, it’s associated with several serious health conditions, including:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Dyslipidemia
- Diabetes (due to insulin resistance)
- Stroke
- Gallstones
- Fatty liver
- Sleep apnea
- Cancers
On top of that, one’s sexual function also takes a hit when they’re overweight. In the US alone, over 8 million overweight residents claim to also have ED.
Let’s look into the connection more closely.
Can Belly Fat Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Let’s make things clear: a fat belly can cause impotence. In fact, being overweight or obese is one of the main causes of erectile dysfunction.
When a person is overweight, they produce more fat tissue. An accumulation of fat tissue causes an excessive strain on their blood vessels and organs. This excessive strain may lead to sexual issues.
A study uncovered that men who had BMIs ranging from 25 to 30, which is classified as overweight, were 1.5 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than normal-weighted men. And for those who are obese, the risk increased threefold.
Erectile dysfunction isn’t the only sexual risk in men with belly fat. Researchers have found that excess body fat is also a risk factor for low testosterone.
To make matters worse, having low testosterone also causes weight gain, causing the cycle to feed off of itself. It also saps away your sex drive.
If you’re obese and unable to get an erection, contact your medical practitioner to get advice and direction for a suitable treatment.
Other Causes of Erectile Dysfunction
While obesity is a leading factor in sexual issues, it is not the sole cause of it all. Obesity can lead to conditions like diabetes and hypertension, which are also large contributors to ED.
In fact, patients with hypertension also claimed to have erectile dysfunction about 80% of the time. It’s also estimated that about a third of diabetes patients have ED, while the global average is just about 10%.
In addition to these two conditions, numerous other health conditions and lifestyle factors can affect your erectile function. These include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Peyronie’s disease
- Atherosclerosis
- Neurological disorders
- Injuries to your genitals, prostate, pelvis, or bladder
- Certain medications
Other than these health conditions, mental insecurities such as fear of performance, or stress, anxiety, and depression may give rise to erectile dysfunction.
While it is embarrassing to open up about your sexual dysfunction, it is essential to speak to a medical professional for support and various treatment options.
How to Fix Belly Fat and Erectile Dysfunction?
Shedding water weight can feel like a major chore. However, there are practical and effective lifestyle changes you can make to shed those pounds.
Here are some natural ways to achieve your health goals.
1. Exercising Regularly
Groan as you like, but exercising still is one of the best ways to lose weight in the business. It’s not just the intensity that matters, exercising more often also helps your body out a ton.
Weight loss isn’t the only result you can expect. For one, exercising increases your energy, sex drive, and concentration. It also cuts back the risk of other undesirable health conditions.
According to a study, exercising for over 150 minutes weekly contributes to decreasing erectile problems in men with ED.
You don’t have to go all out at the start. A simple brisk walk around the block or some yogic exercises can be great for losing weight.
2. Following a Healthier Diet
Just as important as exercising is watching what you eat.
One medical study has found that people who follow healthy dietary patterns face a lower risk for erectile dysfunction.
If you’re unsure where to start your dieting journey, one excellent diet to consider is the Mediterranean diet. This diet is generally low in sugar, red meat and processed foods, and high in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The Mediterranean diet is particularly great for people with erectile dysfunction since it helps cleanse the blood vessels, allowing for more blood flow to the penis.
3. Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Cut smoking and drinking out of your life for good. Smokers tend to suffer from poor blood flow due to clogged blood vessels. If you want an active sex life, refrain from grabbing that elusive stick.
While you’re at it, avoid drinking too much alcohol as well. Alcohol is a major source of low-quality calories and can increase your body weight. According to the CDC, limiting your alcohol intake to two servings a day can greatly reduce your risk of developing a beer belly.
4. Get Proper Clinical Treatment
If you are already suffering from ED, there are various treatments available. These include:
- ED Therapy
- RestoreWave Therapy
- Penile Prosthesis
- Vacuum Erection Devices
Consult your physician for advice on any case of developing erectile dysfunction.
Manage Weight Loss and Regain Control Over Your Sexual Health with Cincinnati’s Top Men’s Clinic
Even if you’re blessed with normal erectile function right now, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to worsening sexual outcomes in the not-so-distant future.
If you are suffering from sexual dysfunction and weight problems, do not hesitate to contact Cincinnati’s Proactive Men’s Medical Center for proper erectile dysfunction treatment by certified health practitioners.
We provide ED therapy, low T treatment, and premature ejaculation treatment for any man interested in taking the proper steps to further improve their health.
