In one of our previous blogs, we discussed women’s health as it relates to obesity, and now it’s time to dive into men’s health! Obesity is becoming a common health issue for men and is especially more prevalent among older men compared to older women. In the United States, seventy-two percent of men over the age of 40 are overweight/obese compared to sixty-six percent of overweight/obese women aged 40 and older. Weight-related health issues are increasing among overweight/obese men and now, more than ever, there is a need to get into a healthy weight range to help manage and prevent these health issues.
Obesity lowers the amount of testosterone in your body: an in-depth look
Many men fear the possibility of low testosterone levels. But what does it mean for your health and how can you prevent it from happening to you? Testosterone, also known as the male hormone, is involved in so many bodily systems and your body needs a certain amount of it to perform a variety of functions, including;
- Reproductive processes
- Muscle Growth
- Bone Strength
- Maintaining high energy levels
- Brain Function
Testosterone is the main hormone involved in these processes and when levels are too low, which occurs with obesity, these systems become less efficient and don’t work as they should. Vice versa, when a man is not obese, testosterone is at a normal level and these systems can work as they should. Being at a healthy body fat percentage, 10-20% for men, can even increase the amount of testosterone your body produces and boost everything from how much muscle you gain, to your energy levels throughout the day!
Obesity and Men’s Cancers
You’ve heard about the risk factors for men for prostate cancer. You already know that being at an unhealthy weight increases your risk level for developing cancer…but did you know that being overweight makes it more difficult for your doctor to detect prostate cancer early on? Your doctor would normally run a blood test to look for higher prostate-specific antigens (PSA) levels to make a cancer diagnosis. When you are obese you have more blood in your body, which can potentially lower your PSA levels because your blood is more diluted. So when you go in for a cancer screening, on the blood test it looks like you are in the normal range but in actuality you have elevated PSA levels and it’s just difficult to detect! Many cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed at stage 2 or 3, but if you’re at a healthy weight, your doctor has a better chance of detecting the cancer sooner!
Type II Diabetes
Recent studies are finding that Type II diabetes is becoming more prevalent in men than in women, especially in middle-aged men. Researchers have also found that as your body-mass index (BMI) and age increases, your risk for developing diabetes will also increase. They are now classifying being overweight/obese as a risk factor for Type II diabetes. Losing weight is beneficial if you are diabetic or want to avoid the risk of becoming diabetic, and minimizes overall risk of Type II diabetes and the effects it may have. 30/10 Weight Loss for Life has helped many men stabilize their blood sugar levels and either reduce or eliminate the need for diabetic medications!
How being at a healthy weight can benefit you
Eating high-quality, nutritious foods and increasing your activity level can get you down to an ideal body fat percentage range (10-20% for men) and can help keep you healthy. Being at a healthy weight can reduce your risk for chronic diseases, and can even manage the symptoms associated with Type II diabetes! Plus, it can increase your energy levels and make you feel better by keeping your hormones balanced.
At 30/10, we understand how important it is for you to be healthy and live a long, fulfilled life. We’re here to help you achieve that goal! Through behavior modification and the development of healthy habits at 30/10, you can lose weight and keep it off, for good. Our program is designed to target your body fat, while preserving your muscle mass and getting your body fat percentage down to a normal range. We want to help you prioritize your well-being and reduce your risk for low testosterone levels, prostate cancer, and Type II Diabetes by helping you live a healthy lifestyle!
30/10 Weight Loss for Life isn’t a diet, it is a comprehensive weight loss program that can help you achieve your goals and weight loss success! Get started with 30/10 Weight Loss for Life by visiting any 30/10 location or call us at (855)-937-3010!
Sources
Harvard Medical School on Obesity: It’s Unhealthy and Unmanly
Tucson’s Men’s Health Services: How Obesity Harms Your Health
