Either high or low BMI increases the risk for erectile dysfunction

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Wednesday, October 03, 2007 5:41 am Email this article
Men who are either heavy or very lean are more likely to have erectile dysfunction according to a study from the University of Hong Kong. Risk of Erectile Dysfunction

Risk of Erectile Dysfunction according to BMI

Compared to men with a body mass index (BMI) of 21-21.9 (quite lean), and after adjusting for age, general psychological health and whether or not they smoked, the risk of erectile dysfunction according to BMI was as follows:

• 2.99 times greater in men with a BMI of less than 18.5
• 2.66 times greater in men with a BMI of 18.5-19.9
• 1.37 times greater in men with a BMI of 20-20.9
• 1.36 times greater in men with a BMI of 22-22.9
• 1.66 times greater in men with a BMI of 23-24.9
• 2.47 times greater in men with a BMI of 25 or more

 

Conclusion

Conclusion: This is the first study to show an increased risk erectile dysfunction in both lean and obese men

“This is the first study to demonstrate an U-shaped relationship [that is, an increased risk for both lean and heavy men] between BMI and [erectile dysfunction] risk, but only in men with no exercise, and to identify underweight as a risk factor for [erectile dysfunction],” Cheng and Ng concluded.

REFERENCE

Cheng J, Ng E. Body mass index, physical activity and erectile dysfunction: An u-shaped relationship from population-based study. Int J Obes (Lond). 2007 Oct, 31(10):1571-78.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Dr JYW Cheng
Department of Psychiatry
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
University of Hong Kong
Hong Kong
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