Obesity in Men — How does it affect reproductive health?

Obesity in Men — How does it affect reproductive health?

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You may know that excess weight or obesity has a negative impact on our physical health, causing various health problems like diabetes, kidney disorders, and cardiac disease. But do you know that excess weight or obesity in men can lead to infertility and impact their sexual well-being?

A recent study by AIIMS on male infertility reported that 60–80 million couples around the world and over 15 to 20 million couples in India are suffering from infertility issues. Out of them, nearly 50% of the cases are due to male infertility. 

Male infertility has many causes, while obesity is one of the main causes both in men and women. Obese men often experience issues like suppressed testosterone levels, reduced quality and quantity of sperm, erectile dysfunction, and reduced desire for sexual intercourse.

However, some people wonder how this obesity can affect male fertility. Here are some facts about how it can contribute to male infertility. Before that, you should know who is considered obese. Men with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 to 30 are considered overweight people, and men with a BMI of 30 or above are considered to be obese people.

Experts say that sperm count or testosterone levels in obese men are three times lower compared to men with ideal body weight. According to the data collected by NFHS in a study, obesity in India has reached critical levels in the 21st century. Especially male obesity has become a significant concern, affecting nearly 5% of the country’s population.

How does obesity influence sexual behaviour?

Many studies reported that obesity or overweight has a negative influence on men’s sexual behaviour. Their interest in sexual activities is reduced compared to normal men. 

Reduced frequency of sexual intercourse (libido) is one of the factors contributing to infertility. Reduced testosterone levels in obese men is one of the reasons for libido. Testosterone is an important hormone produced by the testes. It plays a key role in regulating sex drive, erectile functions, and sperm production in men. Weight accumulated, especially around the waist, contributes significantly to infertility in men. Research suggests that even a 1-inch increase in waist size can reduce nearly 2-3% of testosterone levels. In general, men with a waist circumference of ≥ 40 inches, especially men, experience reduced testosterone levels.

Obesity and low sperm count connection

Obese men are at risk of various health problems, which include:

Hormonal imbalances—reduced testosterone levels and increased estrogen levels—impact sperm production. 

Chronic inflammation—can damage sperm cells.

Oxidative stress—higher levels of stress can damage the DNA of the sperm and lead to low sperm count.

Insulin resistance—one of the major obesity-related health problems— reduces sperm count and motility.

Hence, all these underlying factors affect fertility in obese men.

Increased scrotal temperature

Obese men are at risk of increased scrotal temperature, which reduces sperm quality and motility and increases DNA damage. Excess body fat around the abdomen and thighs is one of the reasons for increased scrotal temperature. This is because excess fat acts as insulation and traps the heat.

Some other reasons include reduced airflow around the scrotum, and increased metabolic rate can also contribute to increased scrotal temperature. 

Many studies also support the information that obese men have a higher scrotal temperature compared to healthy-weight people.

The key solution to improving fertility is to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight. Bariatric surgery is one of the best options for weight loss, as it has a higher success rate. For people who have tried and fed up with other weight loss methods, consult Dr Venugopal Pareek, the best bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad, to discuss and consider whether bariatric surgery is a viable option for you. Keep in mind that bariatric surgery is not a magic solution; you should be committed to making significant changes in your life after bariatric surgery to achieve your weight loss goals and improve obesity-related health issues, including infertility.