Excessive belly fat harms men’s reproductive health, say experts

KARACHI: As nearly 70 percent of Pakistani adults are now classified as overweight or obese, health experts are sounding the alarm over a silent but devastating consequence of belly fat in men — the loss of hormonal balance leading to loss of sexual vitality and fertility.

Experts warn that abdominal obesity in men is not merely a cosmetic concern but a major hormonal disruptor. Fat cells around the belly act as hormone factories, releasing aromatase — an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen.

This silent shift leads to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and in some cases, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), coupled with emotional instability, fatigue, and depression.

“Fat around the waist isn’t just storage. It behaves like an endocrine organ, and in men, it steals their testosterone,” explained Dr. Khurram Shehzad, senior endocrinologist. “This creates a dangerous hormonal imbalance, lowering libido and sexual performance, and affects overall masculinity.”

According to experts, a waist size over 90 cm (35 inches) in men is a red flag. This level of abdominal fat is associated with insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and impaired nitric oxide production in blood vessels — a key factor in achieving and maintaining erections.

“If not addressed, the hormonal imbalance can progress to hypogonadism, where the testes stop producing sufficient testosterone altogether,” warned Prof. Abbas Raza, an endocrinologist. He emphasized that obesity is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failure.

Treatment starts with lifestyle changes. Health professionals recommend 30–45 minutes of brisk walking daily, with appropriate dietary changes in consultation with doctors, stress control, and at least seven hours of sleep per night. Even modest weight loss — around 5 to 10 kg — can lead to noticeable improvements in testosterone and sexual function.