Diabetes Patients Who Lose Weight Can Improve Erectile Function and Libido

In a current study of 31 obese men with type 2 diabetes, Professor Gary Wittert, MBBch, MD, FRACP, FRCP, University of Adelaide, studied the men over an 8 week period who were given either a low-calorie meal replacement diet or a low-fat, high-protein and reduced-carbohydrate diet, both of which were prescribed to lower their daily intake of calories by 600.

Results revealed that a modest weight loss of 5% produced accelerated reversal of sexual and urinary problems within 8 weeks, together with continual improvements up to 12 months.

The findings are consistent with the evidence that not only erectile function, but also lower urinary tract symptoms are a marker of cardio-metabolic risk.

The evidence that improvement can be achieved by modest weight loss, in particular when a diet is of high nutritional quality, is of public health significance in framing public health messages that resonate with men."

This important paper supports earlier publications that lifestyle is relevant and can positively affect sexual function.

According to Professor Wittert, "At a time when oral drugs are very popular, it can now be shown that weight loss is an important non-pharmacologic therapeutic intervention in restoring erectile and urinary function and cardio-vascular health. Obesity is an epidemic, and such data reinforce the positive relationship between eating right, losing weight, improved sexual function and voiding and overall cardiovascular health."

The Journal of Sexual Medicine Article first published online: 5 AUG 2011. DOI: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02417.x The Journal of Sexual Medicine July 2011