Loss of weight is the best aphrodisiac for overweight and obese men. This is obvious, but now the actual numbers are out!

     In a recent analysis of the 2006 HIM (Hypogonadism In Males) study, 33% of obese non-diabetic men and 45% of obese men with diabetes had free testosterone levels below normal. HIM study was a US based cross-sectional study designed to define the prevalence of hypogonadism in men older than 45 years. FT was measured by equilibrium dialysis. This observation was even more prominent in men with age more than 45. And we also know that sedentary lifestyle, obesity and diabetes increase the likelihood for erectile dysfunction two to three fold.

     Weight loss, be it with diet, lifestyle changes or with surgery, has been shown to substantially improve testosterone levels and even erectile function. The mechanisms are improved testosterone to estradiol ratio, more testicular stimulation from the pituitary and improved endothelial function.

     A patient who participated in a research study at Mount Sinai whispered to his doctor in disbelief: “My wife says I need a girlfriend!” He was just unaware of the fact that his testosterone level had doubled over the course of a year after his weight-loss surgery.!