Overweight and obesity
Excess weight and obesity are a risk factor for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, some cancers and erectile dysfunction in men. As the body gains more weight, the chance of getting some of these chronic conditions increases. To add to this, excess weight can reduce the ability to manage these chronic conditions.
What can contribute to weight gain?
Our genes. Yes, that’s right - we cannot pick our family! For some, no matter what they eat, they will never gain weight whereas others can eat what slim people eat and will carry excess weight. Our environment that we grow up in and surround ourselves in can contribute to weight gain. We sit a lot more in our jobs and we are surrounded by an abundance of food. The set point theory – the way to think about this is our body’s ability to control temperature. If it goes low, we shiver to bring our temperature up and we have no control over this. This theory is tied into weight. Our body decides its set weight and will try to bring you back to that set point and you have no control over it.
What does weight have to do with sexual function?
ED is caused by obesity due to the damage of vital blood vessels from heart disease and diabetes. If the vital blood supply is clogged up or inflamed from atherosclerosis, then this will impede blood flow to the penis. Diabetes that is insufficiently controlled means that there is an excess glucose “sugar” in the blood which slowly destroys the fine blood vessels and nerves. Obesity also decreases testosterone levels which is essential to achieve an erection and maintain a healthy libido or sex drive. In addition to all of this, having excess weight can affect the ability to sufficiently control or manage these chronic conditions. Therefore, it is so important to live an active lifestyle and eat a well-balanced diet.
Losing weight should be considered as first line treatment to help restore erectile function in overweight men. Not only does it help with erectile function, losing weight is also known to help increase mental health and self-esteem. This is a bonus for performance!
How can we help?
Firstly, we acknowledge that for some, it is not you that lacks the willpower to lose weight and we also know that it is not as simple as “calories in = calories out”.
A holistic approach to weight loss will be discussed at each appointment as there is no single approach to weight loss.
When undertaking diet and exercise to lose weight and it is unsuccessful, medication may address weight loss issues by helping regulate appetite, reduce hunger cravings, and slow gastric emptying so you feel fuller for longer. Weight loss medications should be combined with diet and exercise in people who have a body mass index (BMI) >30 or >27 combined with an obesity related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnoea and high cholesterol. Medications can also be used to assist in reducing weight regain. Different medications that can be used will be discussed on an individual basis.
Our Locations Why do we have so many locations and online services available?
This enables us to serve you better and closer to your home or work. We don’t want distance to be a barrier to access. We apologise if this is confusing, if you have any difficulty, please email admin@rshealth.com.au with preferred location and practitioner.