Another reason why men should shed the belly fat

Being overweight can affect the reproductive system of both men and women. In men there is a connection between weight and low testosterone levels.PHOTO | FILE 

In Summary

• Studies show that overweight men are more prone to having low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the testicles and is often associated with “manhood”.
• The hormone plays a great role in the reproductive function of a man, contributes to their muscle mass, hair growth, maintaining bone density, red blood cell production, and emotional health.

By LINA NJOROGE
More by this Author

Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on health. Carrying extra fat increases the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, heart conditions and high blood pressure. However, there is also ...
another danger that is rarely talked about. Being overweight can affect the reproductive system of both men and women. In men there is a connection between weight and low testosterone levels.

Studies show that overweight men are more prone to having low testosterone levels. Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the testicles and is often associated with “manhood”. The hormone plays a great role in the reproductive function of a man, contributes to their muscle mass, hair growth, maintaining bone density, red blood cell production, and emotional health.

Testosterone levels in men naturally decline with age and this begins when one hits 30. The decrease puts them at risk of prostate enlargement and hair loss and in extreme cases cancer. Nowadays the decline is manifesting even in children.

Apart from age, chemical exposure is also know to cause decrease in testosterone. 

To increase testosterone levels everyone one needs to start with maintaining a healthy weight. Managing your weight means you have to manage your diet. Below are some ways to jumpstart a healthy diet:

• Limit or eliminate processed sugar in your diet, because excessive sugar consumption is one of the causes of obesity.

• Avoid use of artificial sweeteners which not only are packed with calories but also have significant negative effects.

• Avoid consumption of carbohydrates from processed foods, like cereals and soda, because they contribute to insulin resistance.

• Consume plenty of vegetables, carbohydrates and healthy fats.

• Get your carbohydrates from fresh vegetables rather than grains.

• Fats found in avocados and raw nuts and saturated fats are key to boosting your testosterone production.