Sexy Rx: Lose Weight

Men with diabetes 2 can have co-existing conditions, including erectile dysfunction (ED). While ED can be treated with drugs like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, weight loss may also work.

A recent study from Australia indicates that even with modest weight loss via a nutritional diet, sexual function in men with type 2 diabetes can improve.

Men with sexual problems should try a healthy diet.

Professor Gary Wittert, M.D., M.B.Bch., F.R.A.C.P., F.R.C.P., of the University of Adelaide reports that this study corroborates other studies about erectile dysfunction. This new study also confirms earlier findings that have shown that lower urinary tract symptoms are an indication of cardio-metabolic risk.

Dr. Wittert concludes that diets predicated on high nutritional quality can improve these men's quality of life and should resonate loud and clear to diabetic males with weight issues.

Irwin Goldstein, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of The Journal of Sexual Medicine reports that modest lifestyle adjustments can positively impact sexual function and this paper illustrates that perfectly. He acknowledges that oral drugs are quite popular and effective, but restoration to appropriate weight levels is also able to positively impact sexual life.

Not only is erectile dysfunction impacted, cardiovascular health and urinary function are as well. Goldstein reports the obesity epidemic can be illuminated and possibly embraced by men leading unhealthy lifestyles. There is a direct positive relationship between losing weight, eating right and sexual health.

Dr. Wittert and his colleagues studied 31 obese men with type 2 diabetes for an 8 week period. The men received either a meal replacement-based low-calorie diet or a low-fat, high-protein with reduced carbohydrates diet prescribed to decrease intake by 600 calories a day. In obese men with diabetes, a modest weight loss of five percent resulted in the return to sexual function and urinary health after eight weeks.

These health improvements continued through 12 months.

This study is published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.