It is well known that obesity has negative effects on health; it impacts how the body responds to insulin and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and fatty liver disease, among others. In no uncertain terms, obesity is a killer, and current numbers do not appear to be decreasing in any significant way. People are affected by obesity in several ways, either in their lifestyle or culture, and it is considered a disease.
“Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. Obesity isn’t just a cosmetic concern. It’s a medical problem that increases the risk of other diseases and health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.” [2]
However, there is evidence that shows that obesity affects men and women differently, and this article will focus on male obesity, as well as the ways that this condition impacts their life and well-being. Patients from all different backgrounds arrive at LIMARP® because they’re looking to improve their quality of life and embark on a healthier path. Our multidisciplinary team, led by Dr. Liza María Pompa González, offers different health services to help you reach your weight goals and beat obesity: from diet and exercise plans, to psychological guidance and surgical intervention.
Obesity impacts everyone in a different way and the comorbidities that come along with it can vary from man to man, but we still recommend that you talk with your doctor if you start developing any symptoms that are affecting your overall health.
It is often thought that men are not as sensitive to the strains of obesity as much as women are. Still, the reality is that neither is free of the emotional, social, and physical burdens that come along with obesity. And while many of the dangers of excess weight are a threat to both sexes, there are important differences in the way that obesity evolves and the particular risks in each body and evolving male obesity.
Statistics show that there is nearly the same amount of obese men as women and that both run the risk of developing any of the diseases listed above. Although there are also risks specific to each sex, women may have trouble with fertility and hormone balance, and men are also in danger of affecting their hormonal, sexual, and even prostate health.
“Another difference in weight loss between men and women is that men seem less concerned about their weight. Although men are more susceptible to cardiovascular disease, they are less concerned with their weight, trying to lose weight, or taking part in weight-loss programs. Men generally perceive too many barriers and consider weight-loss programs as a “feminized realm.” Moreover, few programs have been designed for men. ” [1]
A good thing to remember is that body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are two important health indicators. If your BMI is between 25 and 30, you are considered overweight; if you at 30 or above, you are obese. But experts also pay very close attention to waist circumference because abdominal fat is the most dangerous.
According to the general guidelines, a waist of more than 35 inches puts a man at risk and a waistline of 40 or more puts him in the danger zone.
In addition to increasing the risk of heart disease, when men accumulate fat in the belly area, their testosterone levels lower. A 2007 study revealed that in men older than 40, testosterone decreases by 2% for each point that their BMI rises. Another study indicates that in men older than 30, waist circumference is a stronger predictor of low testosterone levels than BMI; a 4 inch increase in waist size raises chances of low testosterone levels by 75%. This data focused on male obesity but “The World Obesity Atlas 2022”, published by the World Obesity Federation, predicts that one billion people globally, including 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men, will be living with obesity by 2030.” [5]
The bad news continues when talking about male obesity; this disease also increases the risk of erectile dysfunction, and a U.S. study found a link between obesity and low sperm count. Also, obesity increases the risk of developing painful kidney stones in men, who are already twice as likely to get them as women.
Being overweight also increases the risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia and studies from several countries suggest that excess body fat increases the chances of a man developing prostate cancer. In this particular issue, the American Cancer Society reports that the increase in risk is close to 20% in obese men and 34% in men with severe obesity.
“The trouble with belly fat is that it’s not limited to the extra layer of padding located just below the skin (subcutaneous fat). It also includes visceral fat — which lies deep inside your abdomen, surrounding your internal organs. Regardless of your overall weight, having a large amount of belly fat increases your risk of: cardiovascular disease, Insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes, colorectal cancer, sleep apnea, premature death from any cause, high blood pressure.” [2]
An article published on Harvard School of Medicine’s website says that “in the United States, being overweight is the current norm, but it is not normal”; the fact is that this condition increases the risk of dangerous diseases, and as if that were not enough, it also increases specific risks in men’s health. The good news is that obesity is reversible, and with it the possibility of also reversing many of its related diseases.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you want more information about male obesity, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. We can help determine the right treatment for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at (619) 373-0229.
References:
- [1] “Males with Obesity and Overweight”. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7117999/.
- [2] “Obesity”. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/symptoms-causes/syc-20375742.
- [3] “Obesity: from molecules to man”. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/obesity-from-molecules-to-man/D01A310BA4E7823DF6BCE175A259D4CC#.
- [4] “Adult Obesity Facts”. https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html.
- [5] “World obesity federation”. https://www.worldobesity.org/resources/resource-library/world-obesity-atlas-2022#:~:text=Call%20for%20Global%20Action%20Plan,living%20with%20obesity%20by%202030.
- [6] “Belly fat in men: Why weight loss matters.” https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/belly-fat/art-20045685.