A group of obese men age 35 to 55, all with erectile dysfunction, were divided into two groups. Half the men were given detailed advice and support about how to lose weight by reducing calories and increasing their physical activity. After two years, these men had lowered their body mass index (BMI) from 36.9 to 31.2 as compared to the control group whose BMI only dropped from 36.4 to 35.7. Not only that but more of the men who lost the most weight experienced improved erectile function. The study concluded that exercise and weight loss can improve the sexual performance of men suffering from impotence.
Comment: It is interesting that even after two years in the program, the average BMI for both groups remained in the obese range (over 30). Greater weight loss might have meant more significant improvement in erectile function for both groups of men.
Another factor is that the men were counseled about diet and exercise but neither group was offered any medication. Nowadays, this study might be a bit more complicated because many of these same men could already be taking Viagra or a similar drug.
Barbara K. Hecht, Ph.D.
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editors, MedicineNet.com