PL 05. What obesity and ED means to men's health
Podium Lecture

PL 05. What obesity and ED means to men's health

FX Arif Adimoelja

Centre for the study and service for "Men's Heath, Reproduction, Sexual- and Aging-Health" annexes Andrology Clinic, Naval Teaching Hospital, School of Medicine, Hang Tuah University, Surabaya, Indonesia


Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction in Men ignorable on his age takes a great risk to more serious diseases that spend extra toll for their management and treatment. It is currently well known that obesity is hazardous to Men's Health (Harvard Men's Health Watch, 2011). Obesity relates to decrease level of blood serum testosterone in men, lowering his sexual performance, prostate health and possible occurrence of cardio-vascular disease (CVD). The Asian men, Chinese in extreme, central obesity (men with big abdomen) are no more likely a symbol for prosperity and wellness.

Men who are obese are more likely to have erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with healthy weights.

Several studies also stated that infertility, BPH and prostate cancer are prone in obese men. Hypogonadism in general occur with progressing of age (LOH, Hypogonadism, ‘andropausal') but may also be experienced in younger reproductive ages. Unhealthy food (fast foods more likely), life style habits and behavior (no or less exercise, smoking cigarettes, and alcoholism) stimulate other risk factors to develop type-2 diabetes. Hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglyceride with obesity triggers to develop metabolic syndrome and the occurrence of stroke.

BMI, WC and "Apple-shaped" Obesity (Central Obesity) can be clinically tested by physical means as well as by symptomatically complaints that are supported by laboratorial endocrine ex amination. Waist Circumference (WC) measurement over 90 cm (Euripides 102 cm) and Body Mass Index (BMI) over 25 (Euripides over 30) would raise more chance to obesity. WC measurement should be more trustful for those people categorized as normal or overweight people in terms of BMI measurement (athlete with increases muscle mass may have a BMI more than 25, making impressments as to be overweight / obese on the BMI scale. In such case WC measurement is a must to guide to the more exact diagnose for overweight and obesity.

Prevent the preventable. Ageing (Progressing of age) and the occurrence of central-obesity relate to decrease production of blood serum levels. These conditions (Hypogonadism) can be "reversed" by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Monitoring regular physical health examinations as well as to plan opportunities for refreshment commitments may minimized psychological and other psychical stress.

Avoid the inevitable by doing healthy life-style habits and live-behavior (no smoking cigarettes, alcoholism, heavy meals, restriction from fat, carbohydrate and fried diets). Refraining to reach excessive prepared foods, frequent going-out to eat, not visiting drive-through culinary outlets due to very busy work schedules (current modern metro-life-style habits and life-behavior). Avoid diversity stressful activities such as long commutes and other commitments by unconsciously cutting the time to do exercise and other physical activities that lead to the tendency to gain weight.

DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2223-4683.2012.s220

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