Lose Weight, Better Sex? The Latest Research
We’ve all seen those Viagra commercials—pretty white-haired men laughing with their dates, narrator rattling off gnarly side-effects with an unsettlingly calm tone. “Psshh I’m a young and spry grasshopper!” you retort to yourself. “I don’t need to worry about that until like a really long time from now.”
Well, hate to break it to you, but age isn’t the only part of the equation: in this study from earlier this year, scientists found that obesity can be an even bigger part.
Study Finds the Most Significant Link to Erectile Dysfunction is Body Weight
The researchers collected and analyzed data for 878 recruited patients, 31.5 years old on average, and split them into two groups: those with ED, and those without.
Surprisingly, there was no significant difference between the groups in smoking and drinking habits, or in prevalence of medical conditions such as chronic disease. But they did find that obese men are 1.3 times more likely to suffer from ED than men within a healthy weight range.
Solution: Losing Weight Can Improve Erectile Dysfunction
The researchers also conducted a meta-analysis of other studies that looked at the impact of weight loss—via lifestyle changes and bariatric surgery—on erectile function. They found that weight reduction was associated with improved erectile function. In other words, being at an unhealthy weight may increase your risk of ED, but it’s not permanent.
Furthermore, treating obesity through weight reduction strategies may make ED drugs more effective. In this study by Kim et. al, researchers demonstrate the link between ED and obesity and the likely increased efficacy of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (ED drugs, also known as PDE5s) when obesity is also treated. Indeed as doctors are prescribing less daily doses of PDE5s, the researchers concluded that weight management is a key therapeutic approach.
So What About Me?
If you’re experiencing erectile dysfunction and are overweight (check our BMI calculator), the two might be linked and it’s important to talk to a doctor. There may be things you can do to feed two birds with one scone. Healthier weight–happier sheets? (Okay, we know that’s not how it goes. But it might as well. )
Yup, semaglutide is the key that unlocks weight loss. But there are two catches: it’s expensive, and it works best with some hard work . Lucky for you, ZipFit makes things a whole lot better.
- Ozempic® (brand name for semaglutide) can cost ~$1k / mo, and it can be pretty difficult to get it covered by insurance when prescribed for weight loss.[*] At ZipFit, we keep the prices down.
- Semaglutide can be effective for weight loss on its own, but the best results are seen when paired with healthy eating and exercise. “But healthy eating and exercise are hard!” Darn right they are. Which is why ZipFit offers a comprehensive wellness program—with check-ins, resources, and personalized coaching—to help you achieve your wildest dreams.
* Ozempic® is FDA-approved for diabetes only, not weight loss. It’s safe for weight loss and thousands of doctors prescribe it for weight loss alone, but insurance only kicks in for diabetes patients.
Disclaimer: The content in this guide is not intended to be medical advice, but rather is meant to inform and inspire you so you can implement positive and sustainable lifestyle changes. ZipFit, in this article, is not acting in the capacity of a doctor, licensed dietitian, or nutritionist, psychologist, or other licensed or registered professional, and the advice provided in this guide is not meant to take the place of advice by these professionals. Any statements or claims about the possible health benefits obtained from any foods or supplements mentioned in this guide have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Any dietary changes or potential dietary supplements use should be discussed with your doctor, and you should not change or discontinue usage of prescription medications without first consulting your doctor.
