Men who got wives pregnant weighed less than those who did not: BMI 28 vs 31.6

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Monday, September 22, 2008 3:40 pm Email this article
"Men [who successfully got their wives pregnant] had lower [body mass index] BMIs (28.0 vs 31.6) and lower skinfold thickness (24.7 mm vs 34.1 mm) than men [who failed to get their wives pregnant," according to a new study from researchers at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Testosterone

Obesity lowers testosterone levels

“Obese men in this study were less likely to have a history of paternity compared with non-obese men, and they had circulating reproductive hormone profiles consistent with diminished reproductive capacity.”

“Serum [testosterone]... levels [and other chemicals related to fertility] were lower… with increasing obesity.”

 

Estrogen

Obesity increases estrogen levels, decreasing testosterone levels

“A hypothesized mechanism for these changes involves the aromatase enzyme [the enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen]... present in adipose tissue.”

 

Sperm Levels

Both high and low body weight reduces sperm levels

“[A] recent study of a large cohort of Danish men showed that both high and low BMI were associated with reduced semen quality,” the paper notes.

“In overweight men (BMI greater than 25) there was a reduction in sperm concentration and total sperm count.”

 

Conclusion #1

Conclusion #1: Obesity reduces fertility in men

“This supports the hypothesis that male obesity is an infertility risk factor, which together with other subtle risk factors may decrease fertility.”

 

Conclusion #2

Conclusion #2: Obesity reduces libido and sexual performance in men

“Obesity may affect fertility by diminishing libido or by affecting sexual performance.”

 

Conclusion #3

Conclusion #3: Obesity is associated with erectile dysfunction

“Obesity has been associated with erectile dysfunction.”

REFERENCE

Pauli EM, Legro R, Demers L, Kunselman A, Dodson W, Lee PA. Diminished paternity and gonadal function with increasing obesity in men. Fertil Steril. 2008 Aug, 90(2):346-51.

AUTHOR’S CONTACT INFORMATION

Eric M. Pauli, M.D.
Department of Surgery
MC-H149
Hershey Medical Center
The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
(717) 531-4729 fax

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