Diet induced weight loss can rapidly improve sexual function for men

Readers of these posts know about the profound impact of insulin resistance on glandular and metabolic function; as the authors of this study just published in the International Journal of Obesity note...

"Abdominal obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are associated with erectile and urinary dysfunction in men."

The investigators set out to determine the extent to which weight loss would impact overall sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms by measuring the effects of an 8 week low-calorie diet using meal replacements* on insulin sensitivity, testosterone, erectile function, sexual desire, prostate symptoms, abdominal obesity and waist circumference. What did their data show?

"Weight loss of ~10% was significantly associated with increased insulin sensitivity, plasma testosterone levels, IIEF-5 (erectile function) and SDI (sexual desire) scores, as well as reduced WC (waist circumference) and IPSS (prostate) scores, in diabetic as well as nondiabetic men."

They further observed that...

"The degree of weight loss was significantly associated with improvements in plasma testosterone levels, erectile function and LUTS. Reduction in LUTS was significantly associated with increased plasma testosterone, erectile function and sexual desire."

Hence their clear-cut conclusion:

"Diet-induced weight loss significantly and rapidly improves sexual function, and reduces LUTS, in obese middle-aged men with or without diabetes."

This is a compelling illustration of the link between insulin resistance and male sexual function.* Although effective in this study (at 800 calories per day) there are better meal replacement products available for weight loss than this one loaded with fructose, milk protein, and low grade minerals and fish oil.