The newsletter Harvard Men’s Health Watch is reporting today on the host of sexual problems faced by overweight men. Obesity is unhealthy—yep, we were pretty sure of that. Calling it “unmanly,” though, seems a bit harsh.
Maybe not, though. Consider that:
-- Obesity lowers testosterone levels at the rate of about 2 percent for every additional BMI point.
-- Having a BMI over 28 increases a man’s chance of developing erectile dysfunction by 90 percent.
-- Being overweight has been linked to lower sperm counts and decreased fertility.
Yes, there’s more.
So guys, with spring around the corner, maybe it’s about time to consider putting down that second hamburger and getting back into the routine of a brisk post-meal walk instead. Perhaps a pointed, You’re getting a little unmanly, there, chum, from some Harvard doctors is the kind of incentive we all need. But we are left kind of wondering if these same doctors would want to try characterizing women who are carrying some extra pounds as “unfeminine.” The doctors would probably agree that a punch in the nose is also bad for one’s health.
Maybe not, though. Consider that:
-- Obesity lowers testosterone levels at the rate of about 2 percent for every additional BMI point.
-- Having a BMI over 28 increases a man’s chance of developing erectile dysfunction by 90 percent.
-- Being overweight has been linked to lower sperm counts and decreased fertility.
Yes, there’s more.
So guys, with spring around the corner, maybe it’s about time to consider putting down that second hamburger and getting back into the routine of a brisk post-meal walk instead. Perhaps a pointed, You’re getting a little unmanly, there, chum, from some Harvard doctors is the kind of incentive we all need. But we are left kind of wondering if these same doctors would want to try characterizing women who are carrying some extra pounds as “unfeminine.” The doctors would probably agree that a punch in the nose is also bad for one’s health.