What to know about obesity and erectile dysfunction

Research suggests that obesity and obesity-related diseases are potential causes of erectile dysfunction (ED). In these cases, losing weight may help improve erectile function.
Erectile dysfunction is common and a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a health issue in itself. Treating the underlying cause can help reverse ED.
For more research-backed information and resources, visit our dedicated men’s health hub.
men’s health hub
The link between obesity and erectile dysfunction
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A 2019 review describes an association between obesity and ED.
2019 review
ED
According to the review, obesity increases the risk of inflammation and oxidative stress to the body’s cells and tissues. This, in turn, can lead to health issues that may cause or contribute to ED, such as:
inflammation
oxidative stress
Leptin resistance: This is a condition in which the brain does not respond typically to the hormone leptin. This hormone derives from fat or “adipose” tissue in the body and helps influence hunger and food intake. Leptin resistance can lead to overeating, obesity, and low testosterone levels. The latter may reduce a person’s sex drive.
leptin
overeating
lnsulin resistance: This is a condition in which the cells in the muscle, fat, and liver do not respond properly to the hormone insulin. This makes them less able to take up glucose from the blood to use as energy. As a result, the pancreas produces more insulin to help glucose enter the body’s cells. Over time, insulin resistance can lead to diabetes, which is a risk factor for ED.
less able
insulin resistance
diabetes
Diabetes: As the American Diabetes Association explains, diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves in the penis, leading to ED. Some of the medications people use to control their diabetes or manage their diabetes symptoms may also cause or contribute to ED.
American Diabetes Association
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) notes that obesity may cause other health issues that damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of ED. These include:
Obesity Action Coalition (OAC)
widespread inflammation, known as systemic inflammation
inflammation
high blood pressure hypertension
hypertension
hypercholesterolemia, which is an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol in the blood
hypercholesterolemia
low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
hypertriglyceridemia, which is an increase in fats known as triglycerides in the blood
hypertriglyceridemia
triglycerides
Will losing weight help erectile dysfunction?
A 2022 meta-analysis of five studies featuring a total of 619 participants found that weight loss improved erectile function in males with overweight and obesity.
2022 meta-analysis
weight loss
overweight
The study authors concluded that weight loss could serve as an add-on therapy for ED in males with excess weight.
According to the OAC, losing just 10% of body weight across a 2-month period can lead to improvements in ED.
OAC
The authors of a 2022 review state that weight loss should be the first-line ED treatment for males with obesity and type 2 diabetes.
2022 review
type 2 diabetes
According to the review, weight loss can improve ED by boosting testosterone levels and improving blood glucose levels. The latter can help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications that may cause or contribute to ED.
testosterone
blood glucose
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for weight management, visit our dedicated hub.
our dedicated hub
Can you reverse ED with diet and exercise?
According to the American Urological Association (AUA), there are five potential causes of ED, and some of these are treatable with diet and exercise.
American Urological Association (AUA)
The five potential causes are:
problems with blood flow to the penis
problems with the penis’s ability to store blood during an erection
problems with nerve signaling traveling from the brain or spinal cord to the penis
spinal cord
psychological or emotional factors
use of certain medications, such as: blood pressure medicationsantihistaminesantidepressantsulcer medications
blood pressure medications
antihistamines
antihistamines
antidepressants
antidepressants
ulcer medications
ulcer
The first three issues can occur as a result of metabolic issues relating to overweight and obesity.
If this is the case, the AUA states that a person may notice an improvement in their erectile function simply by implementing certain lifestyle factors, such as:
AUA
increasing their physical activity levels
losing excess weight
following a healthy diet
healthy diet
Tips for managing weight
The American Heart Association (AHA) offers tips for losing excess weight and maintaining a moderate weight.
American Heart Association (AHA)
Setting realistic goals: For example, a person may set a short-term goal of doing 30 minutes of exercise per day to help them achieve the longer-term goal of losing 3% to 5% of their overall body weight.
Tracking eating habits: A person can use a food diary or tracking app to learn more about their eating habits, such as what they eat, how much, and when.
Controlling portion sizes: The AHA can help people better understand the difference between a portion and a serving size and the effects of each on their weight management and overall health.
AHA
Being physically active: The AHA recommends that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise, such as running, per week, or some combination of the two.
AHA
Making smart food choices: A person can aim to make smart food choices and healthy substitutions that keep them feeling fuller for longer.
Some healthy and filling snack examples include:
include:
sliced apple with peanut butter
apple
peanut butter
sliced pear with low fat cottage cheese
pear
cottage cheese
vegetables paired with hummus or tzatziki sauce
hummus
unsalted nuts and seeds
nuts
unsweetened dried fruits, such as unsweetened raisins, dates, or figs
raisins
dates
figs
fat-free or low fat plain yogurt with fruit
plain yogurt
fruit
low fat dairy milk, or plain and unsweetened oat or almond milk
dairy milk
oat
almond milk
Tips for managing ED
The AUA offers the following tips for managing ED:
AUA
quitting smoking, if applicable
avoiding or limiting alcohol
following a nutritious diet
being physically active
losing excess weight, and maintaining a moderate weight talking with a doctor about switching medications that may be causing or contributing to ED, asking them if it is possible to adjust the medication dosages
talking with a doctor about switching medications that may be causing or contributing to ED, asking them if it is possible to adjust the medication dosages
talking with a therapist about issues that may be affecting libido or sex life
A person can contact their doctor if they are experiencing symptoms of ED. In some cases, doctors may recommend medical treatments for ED.
Learn more about treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Can erectile dysfunction be reversed?
Can erectile dysfunction be reversed?
What can cure erectile dysfunction in older adults?
What can cure erectile dysfunction in older adults?
11 natural and home remedies for erectile dysfunction
11 natural and home remedies for erectile dysfunction
Summary
Research suggests that obesity can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). This is because obesity can reduce testosterone levels and libido.
It also increases the risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases that can impair the function of the nerves and blood vessels necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection.
If someone experiences symptoms of ED, they need to speak with a doctor. The doctor will work to determine the cause and prescribe appropriate treatments.