Must Know Facts about Obesity in Men

At present, professionals pay increasing attention to the male obesity. This is due to the fact that the causes and effects of obesity in men and women are different. Therefore, the treatment of obesity in men requires different approaches than those in women. The increase in the amount of adipose tissue, especially in the abdominal area, may lead to many diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and androgen deficiency. Doctors consider abdominal obesity as a separate disease that needs mandatory treatment. The solution of the problem of obesity in men often lies in the normalization of the hormone testosterone.
Causes of obesity in men

Excessive deposition of fat in adipose tissue may be caused by the patient's eating habits such as the excessive consumption of high-calorie foods with a high fat content, lack of exercise, and hormonal disorders. Adipose tissue produces a hormone called leptin, which negatively affects the level of testosterone. When there is an excessive amounts of body fat, the amounts of leptin also increase, which leads to the decrease in testosterone secretion. In addition, the fat in adipose tissue contributes to the conversion of the male sex hormone known as testosterone into the female sex hormones called estrogens, thereby reducing the testosterone levels and leading to the signs and symptoms of androgen deficiency.

Diagnostics of male obesity

To diagnose obesity in men doctors calculate Body Mass Index dividing the patient's weight by the square of height. It is recommended to use special BMI calculator for men for this purpose. Knowing of the BMI helps determine the weight category and the risks of possible diseases. Thus, BMI calculator for males is a good assistant in the diagnostics of obesity in men.

Effects of obesity in men

The older the men, the more noticeable are changes in their body shapes, which are manifested by the protruding abdomens, sagging shoulder muscles, enlarged buttocks and thighs. Professionals name such changes as age-related hypogonadism. This diagnosis means that the level of production of the male sex hormones is reduced. The causes and effects of obesity of the male pattern are hidden not only in addiction to fatty foods, beer, and lying on the couch, but also in the processes occurring in the endocrine system. The most important factor here is testosterone. Testosterone is produced by the testicles and determines the secondary sex features and sexual function. Chemically testosterone is an anabolic steroid and is able to regulate the processes of burning fat and building muscles. The decrease in testosterone levels at a faster rate is due to the male obesity, high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. Moreover, this decline exacerbates the disease development. Thus, there is a vicious circle of causes and effects. Doctors and scientists have proved that obesity is not only cosmetic and aesthetic defect, but also a serious and dangerous disease.
Treatment approaches to the male obesity

Treatment consists primarily in the normalization of hormonal parameters, rational and balanced diet, and increasing physical activity. If the diagnosis of obesity in men is established, it is necessary to begin with adjusting the diet. Of course, the diet plays an important role in obesity. The diet must be balanced; the food should be consumed in reasonable amounts, and must include all the essential vitamins and microelements. It is undesirable to keep to very strict diets because, they represent a significant stress for the human body and after the return to the usual diet the weight may come back. Therefore, the best way is to ask for doctor's advice. Doctor will determine all necessary parameters and consult about the proper nutrition and the required treatment for obesity. The blood test for the testosterone can also be carried out in the complex approach to obesity cure. Replacement therapy for obesity presupposes the use of testosterone products in the form of plasters, tablets, subcutaneous or intramuscular injections. The remedy must be chosen by the doctor together with the patient. Replacement therapy is not contraindicated for most of men. However, in obese men of mature age it is very important to detect the presence of concomitant diseases.