The effect of obesity and components of metabolic syndrome on urinary and sexual functions in Saudi men

Abstract

Objective

To establish a possible association between obesity, measured by waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI), and voiding and sexual functions in a random cohort of Saudi men.

Materials and methods

An outpatient men’s health clinic was set up at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and men were invited to discuss their sexual and urinary functions. The data collected included age, WC, weight, height, blood pressure, history of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Inventory of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire were used to assess urinary tract symptoms and sexual function, respectively. Serum testosterone, prostate-specific antigen and cholesterol levels were measured and documented. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Results

We recruited 113 participants. The mean WC and BMI of the men were 104 ± 14.599 cm and 29.706 kg/m², respectively. Thirty-seven men (32.7%) had an IPSS ≥ 8 points. Sexual disorders were reported in 19 men; 16 men had erectile dysfunction, while three had premature ejaculation. Of the whole cohort, 37 men were diabetic, of which 15 (40.5%) had an IPSS ≥ 8 and 13 (35%) were either overweight or obese.

Conclusion

Increased WC and BMI were associated with diabetes mellitus and large percentages of voiding and sexual disorders.

Introduction

Recent literature supports the finding that metabolic syndrome, in particular central obesity, has an impact on male sexual function.1 Obesity, represented by an increase in waist circumference (WC) or body mass index (BMI), has also been reported to have a similar deleterious effect on voiding in men.2,3 In addition to aging, lack of physical activities, erectile dysfunction, and a family history of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), obesity has recently emerged to be regarded as a significant factor among the risk factors for BPH.1–3 The World Health Organization (WHO) declared obesity as a worldwide epidemic as of 2007.4 Along with other countries in both the east and west, the Saudi Arabia (SA) is a population plagued with obesity, with the age-adjusted prevalence of obesity documented at 35.5%.4–6 In addition to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus,7 hypertension,8 and hypercholesterolemia9 were all reported to be common in SA along with metabolic syndrome in its full blown picture.10 In this prospective study we aimed to establish the effect of obesity and components of metabolic syndrome on urinary and sexual functions in a cohort of Saudi men.

Materials and methods

An outpatient men’s health clinic was set up at a tertiary referral center at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Men were invited by way of public advertisement to visit the clinic to discuss their sexual and urinary functions. Participants were included on a consecutive basis. All participants signed an informed consent prior to inclusion in the study. The study was approved by the institution’s ethics research committee. Inclusion criteria were adult men with urinary and/or sexual dysfunction. No exclusion criteria were set.

For all participants enrolled in this prospective study, we collected details about their sociodemographic characteristics. We also recorded WC (at the end of several consecutive natural breaths, at a level parallel to the floor, midpoint between the top of the iliac crest, and at the lower margin of the last palpable rib in the midaxillary line); weight; height; BMI, blood pressure (BP) readings; lower urinary tract symptoms as measured using the Arabic version of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS);11 and testosterone; serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA); glycosylated hemoglobin ([HbA_1c] in participants with diabetes); and cholesterol levels. Due to cultural considerations, a number of participants declined physical measures such as WC. Participants with complete measurements were analyzed separately. BMI was calculated according to the internationally accepted equation as BMI = weight (in kilograms) divided by the height squared (in meters). Sexual function was assessed by the simplified International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire.12

Men were classified into three groups according to their WC: normal if ≤90 cm, moderate if 90–99 cm, and severely increased if ≥100 cm.2 We also grouped the participants in four categories based on the WHO classification: underweight if BMI ≤ 18.50 kg/m²; normal weight if BMI = 18.50–24.9 kg/m²; overweight if BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²; and obese if BMI ≥ 30 kg/m².4

Men were considered to have voiding symptoms if they had ≥8 points on the IPSS. They were considered to have sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, if they had ≤22 points on the IIEF-5.

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Version 16 ([SPSS] IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). For numerical variables, descriptive statistics was performed and the results were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Pearson correlation was used for normally distributed variables (serum testosterone and BMI). The relationship between serum testosterone and BMI was assessed by linear regression. For categorical values, descriptive statistics was performed and the results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Fisher’s exact test was used if the assumptions of chi-squared testing were not met (>20% of the cells had an expected value < 5). A P-value < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

One hundred thirteen men volunteered to enroll in this study. The mean ± SD age of the participants was 44.90 ± 12.42 years (range, 20–73 years). The WC was measured for 73 men. The mean WC in our study population was 104 ± 14.59 cm (range, 62–143 cm [24.8–57.2 inches]). Only 12 men (16%) had WC of 90 cm or less; another 12 men (16%) had WC between 90 and 100 cm. Most men (n = 49, 68%) had a WC ≥ 100 cm.

The weight and height were recorded for 78 men. The mean weight was 85.62 ± 17.38 kg (range, 56.1–148.0 kg), while the mean height was 169.83 ± 6.05 cm (range between 162– 180 cm). The mean BMI of the men was 29.71 kg/m² (range, 19.1–50.1 kg/m²). Most men, 63 of 78 (80.8%), were either overweight (n = 27, 34.6%) or obese (n = 36, 46.2%). The WC measurements and BMI categories are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1.

Waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) distribution in the study cohort

WC measurement	Frequency (n)	Percent	BMI category	Frequency (n)	Percent
≤90 cm	12	16	Normal weight	15	19.2
90–100 cm	12	16	Overweight	27	34.6
≥100 cm	49	68	Obese	36	46.2
Total	73	100	Total	78	100.0

Abbreviation: n, number.

There was a positive correlation between the WC and BMI as shown in Table 2.

Table 2.

Relationship between waist circumference (WC) and body mass index (BMI) in the study cohort

	BMI	WC
BMI
Pearson correlation	1	0.84*
Significance (two-tailed)		0.00
Number of participants	78	73
WC
Pearson correlation	0.84*	1
Significance (two-tailed)	0.00
Number of participants	73	73

Note:

^*P-value <0.05 was considered significant.

BP was measured for 76 men. The mean systolic BP was 133.43 ± 16.17 mmHg and the mean diastolic BP was 77.66 ± 13.31 mmHg (normal range, systolic = 120 mmHg and diastolic = 80 mmHg).

Of the 113 men who participated in the study, 37 men (32.7%) had an IPSS ≥ 8 points.

The mean serum PSA was 1.02 ± 0.62 ng/mL (reference range, 0.00–4 ng/mL) for 63 men in whom the test was performed.

Sexual function was assessed in 68 men, 19 of whom had sexual disorders (16 had erectile dysfunction with IIEF-5 ≥ 22 points, and three had premature ejaculation).

Morning serum testosterone level was measured in 57 men; the mean value was 14.14 ± 5.38 mmol/L (reference range, 9.1–55.2 mmol/L). There was a progressive and steep decline in testosterone level as the BMI increased (Figure 1). A similar relationship was seen between serum testosterone level and WC (Figure 2).

Figure 1.

Scatter plot showing the relationship between serum testosterone levels and the different body mass index (BMI) categories in the study cohort.

Figure 2.

Scatter plot showing the relationship between serum testosterone levels and waist circumference measurements in the study cohort.

Thirty-seven men (32.7%) were diabetic, 12 (10.6%) had a history of diabetes, while incident diabetes (fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L) was diagnosed in 25 men (22.1%). The mean HbA_1c level in the diabetic men was 8.1% (reference range, 4.8%–6.0%). Of the diabetic men, 15 (40.5%) had an IPSS ≥ 8 and 13 (35%) were either overweight or obese.

The cholesterol level was measured for 66 men. The mean total cholesterol level was 5.38 ± SD 6.02 mmol/L (reference range, 0.00–5.20 mmol/L).

Discussion

Key findings of this current study include the association between obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus type 2, and voiding and sexual dysfunctions in a sample of the local population in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest economically growing countries. Nonetheless, affluence associated with prosperity has resulted in some serious health problems due to overindulgence in the consumption of high-calorie foods and intake of excessive amounts of fast and fatty food. Obesity follows with all its metabolic sequences, especially when living circumstances preclude the performance of preventive regular physical activities. In 2005, it was reported that 35.5% of the Saudi Population was obese (BMI > 30 kg/m²).5 In a more recent report, 37.9% and 28.3% males were reported to be overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²), respectively.6 Obesity is the cornerstone among the cluster of risk factors that constitute metabolic syndrome, namely hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.13 Hypertension, which is linked to obesity, is also prevalent is Saudi Arabia. It affects over one-quarter of the Saudi adult population.9 In one report, it was shown that increases in weight were accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of hypertension.9

In our study, the mean WC of the participants was severely increased compared to normal men with a WC less than 90 cm (mean of 104 ± 14.59 cm). Studies in Middle Eastern populations have provided WC and waist–hip ratio cutoff points similar to those suggested for Europeans, with a waist circumference of more than 102 cm in men being associated with substantially increased risk of metabolic complications.14 Mean BMI was at the upper limit of the overweight category (approaching the obese category). Therefore, voiding and sexual disorders of some magnitude are to be anticipated in such a population.

The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus in adults in SA is 23.7%;7 this rate, as well as the prevalence of obesity, is higher in our study population, possibly because of selection bias given that the advertisement was targeted at men with concerns of voiding or sexual dysfunctions. Recently, it was reported that the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (levels between 5.2 and 6.2 mmol/L) in Saudi Arabia was 9% and 11% for males and females, respectively (P = 0.74). The prevalence was 7% and 8% for males and females, respectively, when cutoff values of ≥6.2 were used to define hypercholesterolemia (P = 0.52).9 For cutoff values between 5.2 and 6.2 mmol/L, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia for those aged 40–59 years was 14% and 10% for males and females, respectively (P = 0.67), whereas at values of >6.2 mmol/L, the prevalence was 9% and 11% for males and females, respectively (P = 0.6).9 In the current study, the measurement of cholesterol levels was included to examine any possible association between hypercholesterolemia and voiding and sexual dysfunctions; however, none was found.

Besides other associated conditions, such as physical inactivity, aging, and hormonal imbalance, the predominant underlying risk factors for metabolic syndrome appear to be abdominal obesity and insulin resistance.13,15 This may explain why the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was reported to be high in Saudi Arabia, with an overall age-adjusted prevalence rate of 39.3% for both sexes.10 The main concern with metabolic syndrome involves the cardiovascular diseases, mainly coronary artery disease, as this is a leading cause of death.15 These links are illustrated in Figure 3.

Figure 3.

The links between obesity and affected health parameters.

Obesity is measured by several methods, but for practical purposes and simplicity, it is represented in clinical urology by WC or BMI.2 Recent data suggested a relationship between WC and health parameters, mainly diabetes, hypertension, prostate volume (PV), and voiding and sexual dysfunctions.2 In addition, a recent study linked metabolic syndrome with intraprostatic inflammation, suggesting that it could be an important factor in the development and progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).16 Furthermore, in an experimental study, testosterone was reported to protect from metabolic syndrome-associated prostate inflammation.17 The findings of the current study are in line with these data: almost one-third of the group of volunteering men – the majority with increased WC and BMI – had voiding dysfunction, and over one-tenth had sexual dysfunction. Therefore, our local populations, as well as other similar overweight and obese populations, are expected to develop many of these health problems.

Diabetes mellitus has been extensively discussed as a risk factor for many urological disorders, mainly voiding and sexual dysfunctions.18 Furthermore, there is evidence that type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated to, linked to, or even a direct sequel of obesity through the development of insulin resistance.18,19 The resultant hyperinsulinemia19 plays a major role in the pathophysiological changes that occur in the genitourinary system and throughout the whole human body, as shown in Figure 3.

Sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, is thought to be precipitated by several known risk factors, of which most are linked to obesity in one way or another.20 Several studies have reported a clear link between metabolic syndrome and both erectile dysfunction and hypogonadism.21–23 Similar findings were observed in our study population.

Evidence from a large prospective study indicates that a progressive increase in BMI is associated with progressive increase in PV and attenuated response to treatment with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.24–26 In our opinion, this finding has important relevant therapeutic implications in the medical treatment of obese men with BPH. This also warrants further research studies on the relationship between the degree of obesity and unresponsiveness to medical therapy and the development of complications of BPH, such as retention of urine.

With the rapid escalation of rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome worldwide, a steady rise in the incidence of voiding and sexual dysfunctions in men with large WC or high BMI should be expected.27–30

Recent guidelines from the American Urological Association and the European Association of Urology do not include obesity among the risk factors nor do the treatment guidelines include adequate weight reduction in addition to life style modifications for erectile dysfunction, BPH, or voiding dysfunction, and neither do these guidelines mention the management of sexual and urinary disorders in obese patients.31–33 Findings from our study prompt us to believe that obesity should be considered as a major risk factor for many urological and non-urological diseases, and hence a major public health concern. The documentation of WC and calculation of BMI should be among the initial steps in the clinical evaluation of urological patients, similar to measurement of heart rate and BP. Weight reduction and encouragement for physical activity should be discussed with all overweight and obese patients in the clinical setting before discussing options for medical treatment and surgical procedures. We suggest incorporating protective weight reduction to ideal weights and physical exercises to maintain fitness in the different algorithms for the evaluation and management of BPH and voiding and sexual dysfunctions.

Although comprehensive and of broad spectrum, this study had some limitations in that the sample size was small and that data could not be obtained for all the participants owing to the voluntary nature of the study. Moreover, because the study was not funded, our resources did not enable us to obtain data for all the participants. Nevertheless, the findings of this study are in line with those of other studies, indicating the need for urologists to be aware of the negative impact of obesity on men’s sexual and urinary functions.

Conclusion

The current study examined the effects of obesity and components of metabolic syndrome on the voiding and sexual functions in a random cohort of Saudi men who were concerned about their voiding and erectile functions. In a population characterized by prevalent rates of obesity and overweight, increased percentages of men with voiding and sexual dysfunctions in addition to diabetes mellitus were observed compared to normal weight volunteers. While there was no significant correlation between obesity and PSA levels, testosterone levels declined with increases in WC and BMI.