Health
How potbellies affect men’s sexual performance – Urologists
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By Francesca Hangeior
Harping on the dangers of obesity, urologists have revealed that men with abdominal obesity commonly known as potbellies are at risk of having erectile dysfunction and poor sexual health.
The experts noted that excess belly fat could interfere with testosterone levels, a key hormone in male sexual function.
They stated that this imbalance could lead to a variety of sexual health issues, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and a decrease in overall sexual satisfaction.
Accrodint to the physicians said excess belly fat was often linked to other health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease, which can also contribute to sexual dysfunction.
A report by the World Health Organisation revealed that one in eight people in the world is living with obesity with about 2.5 billion adults (18 years and older) being overweight.
The global health body added that 890 million out of these overweight adults were living with obesity with 43 per cent of adults aged 18 years and above overweight, while 16 per cent were living with obesity.
The WHO data also disclosed that 37 million children under the age of 5 were overweight in 2022, while over 390 million children and adolescents aged 5–19 years were overweight, including 160 million who were living with obesity.
In Nigeria, belly fat often called ‘pot belly’ has increasingly become a common sight, with many people associating it with wealth and success.
The idea that a pot belly is a sign of affluence is deeply rooted in the culture, often seen as a status symbol of enjoying life’s comforts, such as rich foods and sedentary lifestyles.
The urologists clarified that having belly fat in men, particularly among the rich, was not a sign of healthy living but an invitation to health problems.
They stressed that excess abdominal fat disrupts hormone balance, including lowering testosterone levels, which is crucial for male sexual function.
A Consultant Urologist, Dr Gabriel Ogah stated that obesity had a multifaceted impact on men’s sexual health.
According to him, obesity reduces testosterone levels and compromises cardiovascular health, thereby increasing the risk of erectile dysfunction.
“Obesity reduces testosterone and it reduces cardiovascular health. Therefore, ultimately it increases the chances of erectile dysfunction. Whereas if someone is obese and has erectile dysfunction. Belly fat does affect sexual performance,” he explained.
Ogah, Managing Director of Ogah Hospital and Urology Centre in Fugar, Edo State, offered hope, noting that sexual dysfunction linked to obesity was reversible.
“If an obese individual experiences erectile dysfunction and takes steps to control their weight through exercise or diet, their sexual performance will likely improve,” he emphasised.
The urologist reiterated the importance of lifestyle modifications in addressing obesity-related sexual dysfunction.
“It is crucial for obese men to reduce their weight, limit carbohydrate intake, consume more vegetables, and engage in regular exercise. Even without any other interventions, weight loss alone can significantly improve erectile function.”
Also, a consultant urologist, Dr. Emmanuel Eze, stated that excess belly fat could lead to reduced blood flow to the genital area, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
“When fat accumulates around the abdominal area, it can lead to inflammation and damage to blood vessels, making it difficult to achieve and maintain an erection,” Eze explained.
The reproductive expert further noted that excess belly fat could also lead to hormonal imbalances.
He added that increased fat around the abdominal area can convert testosterone to estrogen, leading to decreased libido and sexual performance.
“Men with pot belly are more likely to experience premature ejaculation, low sperm count, and decreased libido,” he stressed.
He also maintained that maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise could significantly reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction.
“Losing weight and reducing belly fat can improve blood flow, boost testosterone levels, and enhance overall sexual health.
“I will encourage men to consult with urologists or healthcare professionals to address any concerns regarding their sexual health. Early intervention can make a significant difference in improving overall well-being,” Eze advised.
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, coupled with a balanced diet, to maintain a healthy weight.
Health experts have assured Nigerians that advances in science, treatment and technology have transformed HIV from a fatal diagnosis into a manageable health condition.
The assurance was given at the weekend in Abuja by the Chief Executive Officer of APIN Public Health Initiatives, Prof. Prosper Okonkwo, during activities marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary.
Okonkwo said people living with HIV can now achieve viral suppression, live healthy lives, have families and pursue their careers without the virus defining their future, describing the progress as the result of years of investment, advocacy and public health interventions.
He noted that APIN currently has more than 314,000 patients on antiretroviral treatment, while about 96 per cent of them have achieved viral load suppression, adding that access to treatment has improved significantly compared to the early years of the epidemic.
The organisation also disclosed that more than 83,000 pregnant women and children who tested positive for HIV in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Plateau and Benue states had been placed on treatment as of March 2026, highlighting ongoing efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission and improve healthcare outcomes.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has warned sachet water producers to stop producing unregistered water and to renew expired licences or face punishment.
The warning was given by the Director of NAFDAC in the South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbu, after the agency carried out an enforcement operation in parts of Rivers State, including Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Degema, and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
During the operation, 16 sachet water factories were shut down and their owners were invited for questioning.
NAFDAC said the factories were found operating in dirty conditions, using unsafe filters, providing wrong addresses, and, in some cases, using expired licences or violating other regulations.
In a statement on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the South-South Zone, Cyril Monye, the agency also warned that factories operating illegally or obstructing officials from carrying out their duties would be shut down and their owners prosecuted.
NAFDAC further urged the public to report any illegal water production.
According to the statement, “The sachet water factories include: Obra Bo Table Water, Abalama, Asari Toru LGA; Loilia Table Water, Okpo, Degema LGA; Jima Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Inye Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA.
“Others are Obuta Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; S.P. Nimi Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; Soaltam Table Water, Obuama Harry Town, Degema LGA; and Piasso Table Water, Usokun, Degema LGA.
“Also shut down are: Imumsco Table Water, Port Harcourt–Degema Road, Degema LGA; Granpa Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA; Daa Ajuka Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA; and Diob Table Water, Abonnema, Akuku Toru LGA.
“At Ikwerre LGA, four factories were shut down. They include AQUA-TOBSON Table Water, DUCO Table Water, CHISODEK Table Water, and NEO BRAIN Table Water.”
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has warned Nigerians against relying on unverified home remedies for Ebola Virus Disease, stressing that substances such as bitter kola, salt water, herbs, and seasoning cubes cannot prevent or cure the deadly infection.
The agency issued the warning in a public advisory obtained by our correspondent, titled “Ebola Virus Disease (EVD): Myths vs Facts,” amid growing concerns and online rumours linked to a regional Ebola outbreak.
According to the NCDC, Nigeria has not recorded any confirmed case of Ebola, but misinformation surrounding fake cures could create panic and endanger lives.
“There is currently no approved home remedy for Ebola Virus Disease,” the agency stated.
It added: “Early reporting, supportive medical care, and strict infection prevention and control measures are critical. Avoid self-medication and seek care promptly if symptoms develop.”
The agency specifically debunked widespread claims circulating on social media suggesting that “drinking salt water, consuming bitter kola, or using herbal mixtures could protect people from Ebola infection.”
Public health experts have repeatedly warned that reliance on unproven remedies during disease outbreaks often delays proper treatment and increases the risk of transmission.
The NCDC also cautioned Nigerians against spreading unverified health information online, noting that false claims could undermine public health response efforts.
“Sharing unverified information can create panic and confusion. Members of the public are advised to rely only on updates from official public health authorities and credible sources,” the advisory said.
The agency urged Nigerians to remain vigilant despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in the country.
“Although no case has been confirmed in Nigeria, outbreaks in the region require vigilance, preparedness, and responsible public health behaviour to reduce the risk of importation and transmission,” it stated.
The warning has revived memories of Nigeria’s 2014 Ebola outbreak, when rumours about salt-water baths and bitter kola consumption flooded communities after the virus entered the country through an infected traveller from Liberia.
At the time, health authorities dismissed the claims after reports emerged that some Nigerians consumed excessive amounts of salt water in desperate attempts to avoid infection, leading to health complications in some cases.
Nigeria was eventually lauded globally for successfully containing the 2014 Ebola outbreak through aggressive contact tracing, rapid isolation of suspected cases, public awareness campaigns, and coordinated emergency response measures.
In its latest advisory, the NCDC urged Nigerians to prioritise preventive measures such as regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of sick persons, and promptly reporting unusual illnesses to health authorities.
The agency also reassured the public that surveillance and preparedness activities were ongoing across the country to prevent any possible outbreak.
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