Obesity and inactivity increase risk of erectile dysfunction
8 August 2003
Further cardiovascular risk factors — obesity and inactivity — have been associated with erectile dysfunction, following a US study of almost 32,000 male health professionals.
Obesity and an inactive lifestyle were among the modifiable risk factors that placed men at increased risk of erectile dysfunction, the researchers found.
Erectile dysfunction was defined as a self-rated poor or very poor ability in the previous 3 months to have had and maintained an erection adequate for intercourse.
As expected, age and other co-existing conditions such as diabetes were associated with an increased erectile dysfunction risk.
'If further research can establish causality, preventive health messages might focus on behavioural steps to maintain erectile function, including avoidance of obesity, smoking and physical inactivity,' the researchers said (Annals of Internal Medicine 2003; 139: 161-68).
The US National Institutes of Health and Pfizer, the maker of Viagra, funded the study.
Last Reviewed: 08 August 2003
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 8/8/03
