[이데일리 이순용 기자] It is an existence that adversely affects health to the extent that there is a saying, “Obesity is the root of all diseases.” Recently, as obesity cases increase in Korea, the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure as well as sexual function-related diseases such as erectile dysfunction is increasing.
In fact, according to the ‘White Paper on Obesity’ published by the National Health Insurance Corporation, as a result of the National Health and Nutrition Survey, one out of three adults was found to be obese. In particular, the obesity rate for men in their 30s was 43.3%. This means that 2 out of 5 people are obese.
The biggest problem with obesity is that it can lead to various complications. The risk of developing diabetes due to obesity is 2.6 times higher than that of normal people. Severe obesity is counted as 4 to 4.8 times higher than this. In addition, in the case of hypertension, obesity was twice as high, and severe obesity was 2.7 to 2.9 times higher.
Another problem is that it can also impair sexual function. A typical example is erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction refers to a condition in which an erection is not sufficiently attained or maintained for sexual intercourse. If these symptoms persist for about 3 months, it can be defined as erectile dysfunction.
The main cause of obesity is irregular lifestyle. In particular, excessive nutrient oversupply is a problem directly related to obesity. Frequent consumption of high-calorie foods can lead to metabolic syndrome. Complications caused by metabolic syndrome lead to cardiovascular disease, which leads to erectile dysfunction. Metabolic syndrome results in blood circulation imbalance, and at this time, the penile blood vessels in the corpus cavernosum, which achieves an erection, are also narrowed. This soon leads to impotence.
An erection occurs when the corpus cavernosum in the penis becomes congested. Blood vessels in the penis are very thin, about 1 mm in diameter. When the blood becomes sticky due to metabolic syndrome, the penile blood vessels can be more easily blocked, causing erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Obesity also causes a disorder in the secretion of the male hormone testosterone. It also causes abnormalities in the secretion of neurotransmitters necessary for erection. Therefore, it is important to avoid high-calorie foods and prevent obesity through regular exercise. In addition, it is essential to maintain a regular lifestyle.
Lee Moo-yeon, director of Adams Urology Clinic, said, “The older you get, the lower your metabolic processing ability. At this time, frequent consumption of high-calorie foods or excessive drinking can lead to obesity, which can lead to erectile dysfunction.” If not, it is desirable to visit a urologist for consultation and detailed examination.”
