Obesity in men

Written by Paris Kazemian
Obesity in men is a serious health concern characterized by an excessive accumulation of body fat, leading to negative health outcomes. It’s typically defined by having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Obesity can result from a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, behavioural, and hormonal influences.
Currently, the majority of Australian adults, comprising 35.6% with overweight and 31.3% with obesity, are facing these conditions. Men tend to have a higher occurrence of overweight compared to women, but both genders experience similar levels of obesity. There is an increasing trend in obesity prevalence among adults in Australia.

What are obesity and overweight ?

Excessive fat accumulation that could compromise health characterizes overweight and obesity. Body mass index (BMI), a straightforward measure of weight relative to height, is widely employed to categorize these conditions in adults, calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by the square of their height in meters (kg/m2).

n adults, the World Health Organization (WHO) specifies the definitions of overweight and obesity as:

• Overweight: A BMI equal to or exceeding 25.
• Obesity: A BMI equal to or exceeding 30.

Are you obese or overweight ? Calculate your BMI here

Some statistics about obesity in Australia

• Over the last two decades, the incidence of severe obesity among Australian adults has increased significantly from 4.9% to 9.4%.
• In the outer regional and remote areas of Australia, the combined prevalence of overweight, including obesity, is reported to be 72.2%.
• Among Australian men between the ages of 65 and 74, the obesity rate stands at 42.2%.

Some general obesity risks

1. Cardiovascular Issues: Obesity increases the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Excess weight can lead to insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.
3. Joint Problems: Increased weight puts pressure on joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis.
4. Quality of Life: It can impact everyday life, limiting physical activity, causing fatigue, and affecting mobility.
5. Mental Health: Obesity can contribute to depression, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues.

What causes men to get fat?

1. Lifestyle: Sedentary habits, poor dietary choices, and lack of exercise contribute to weight gain.
2. Diet: Consuming high-calorie, low-nutrient foods, excessive sugar, and unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain.
3. Genetics: Genetic factors can influence a person’s susceptibility to gaining weight.
4. Metabolism: Some men might have a slower metabolic rate, making it easier for them to gain weight.
5. Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions and medications can lead to weight gain.

Health hazards linked to obesity in men

There are numerous health risks associated with obesity in men, including:

Obesity in men and bone density

Obesity can have an impact on bone health, including bone density. Generally, when discussing bone health in the context of obesity, it’s important to understand the relationship between body weight, bone density, and the potential implications.

Obesity was traditionally believed to be protective against osteoporosis, as individuals with higher body weight tend to have a higher bone mineral density (BMD). This is because the increased mechanical load on the bones from carrying extra weight can stimulate bone formation.

However, it’s essential to note that not all aspects of bone health are positively affected by obesity. For instance:

1. Quality vs. Quantity: While higher weight might contribute to greater bone density, it doesn’t necessarily mean an improvement in bone quality. Bones might be larger but not necessarily structurally stronger or more resistant to fractures.
2. Hormonal Factors: Obesity is associated with several metabolic changes that can impact bone health. For example, increased fat tissue can lead to higher levels of certain hormones (like leptin) that might negatively impact bone health.
3. Inflammatory Factors: Obesity is often linked with chronic, low-grade inflammation, which can have adverse effects on bone health.
4. Risk of Fractures: Paradoxically, despite higher bone density, obese individuals can still be at an increased risk of fractures. This could be due to reduced mobility, changes in balance, and an increased risk of falls.

Obesity in men and low testosterone

Low testosterone, medically termed hypogonadism, refers to a situation where there’s a shortage of the hormone testosterone in the male body. Testosterone is vital for both masculine traits and general health.

Symptoms of low testosterone may include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased energy and fatigue
• Depression or mood changes
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat
• Decreased bone density
• Changes in hair growth
• Difficulty concentrating

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, a review of symptoms, and blood tests to measure testosterone levels.

Treatment for low testosterone depends on the cause and severity. It might involve testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) through gels, patches, injections, or implants. Lifestyle changes like exercise, weight management, and healthy eating can also help improve testosterone levels naturally, especially in cases where obesity or other lifestyle factors contribute to low testosterone.

Obesity in men and sexual function

Obesity can significantly impact sexual function in men. It can affect various aspects of sexual health, including erectile function, libido, and overall sexual satisfaction. Several mechanisms contribute to this correlation:

1. Hormonal Imbalance: Obesity is associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly reduced testosterone levels. Testosterone is crucial for maintaining libido and erectile function. Excessive fat tissue can lead to increased conversion of testosterone into estrogen, further reducing testosterone levels.
2. Cardiovascular Health: Obesity often goes hand-in-hand with conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases. These conditions can impair blood flow, which is critical for achieving and maintaining erections.
3. Psychological Factors: The psychological impact of obesity, such as low self-esteem, poor body image, and depression, can affect sexual desire and confidence, leading to performance issues.
4. Physical Limitations: Excess weight can lead to physical discomfort and reduced stamina, impacting sexual performance and positions.
5. Metabolic Syndrome: Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing metabolic syndrome, which involves a cluster of conditions such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Metabolic syndrome can contribute to erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems.

Obesity in men and respiratory Issues

Obesity can significantly impact respiratory health in men. Several ways in which obesity can affect the respiratory system include:

1. Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Obesity is a significant risk factor for obstructive sleep apnea. Excess weight can lead to the accumulation of fat around the neck and throat area, which can obstruct the airway during sleep. This obstruction causes breathing pauses or shallow breathing during sleep, leading to poor oxygenation and disrupted sleep patterns.
2. Reduced Lung Function: Excessive weight can reduce the ability of the chest wall to expand fully, resulting in decreased lung volume and restricted airflow. This can lead to difficulties in breathing and decreased overall respiratory function.
3. Increased Risk of Respiratory Diseases: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary hypertension. These conditions can further impair breathing and reduce overall respiratory health.
4. Decreased Exercise Tolerance: Being overweight can limit physical activity and exercise tolerance. Reduced physical activity can lead to deconditioning of the respiratory muscles and a decline in overall respiratory function.

Obesity in men and certain Cancers

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers in men. Several studies have shown a strong link between obesity and various cancers. Some of the cancers more commonly associated with obesity include:

1. Colorectal Cancer: Obesity, particularly carrying excess weight around the abdomen, has been linked to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. The exact mechanisms are not entirely understood, but factors such as chronic inflammation and changes in insulin levels may contribute to this increased risk.
2. Prostate Cancer: Studies have suggested a possible association between obesity and more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. The reasons for this connection are not fully elucidated, but hormonal changes and inflammation are thought to play a role.
3. Kidney Cancer: Obesity has been identified as a risk factor for kidney cancer. The excess body fat may alter hormone levels and increase the risk of developing this type of cancer.
4. Liver Cancer: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with obesity. In some cases, NAFLD can progress to liver cancer, especially in individuals with severe liver damage due to obesity-related issues.
5. Pancreatic Cancer: Some studies have suggested a link between obesity and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Again, the exact reasons for this association are not fully understood, but insulin resistance and inflammation might be contributing factors.

It’s important to note that while there’s a strong association between obesity and these cancers, the exact mechanisms and causative factors are still being studied. Obesity is a complex condition that involves various metabolic, hormonal, and inflammatory changes, which can influence cancer development.

What can I do for myself ?

Tackling obesity requires a comprehensive strategy:

Nutritious Diet: Embrace a well-rounded eating plan abundant in fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains while reducing intake of processed and high-calorie foods.

Consistent Physical Activity: Regular exercise plays a vital role in burning calories and managing a balanced weight.

Behavioural Adjustments: Adopting lasting lifestyle changes like controlling portions and managing stress can aid in weight management.

Medical Assistance: For severe obesity, medical support such as medications or surgery might be necessary in certain instances.

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