With obesity numbers continuing to climb world wide, more and more men are experiencing obesity related erectile dysfunction. Researchers link this rising number to the “western diet,” which emphasizes high levels of saturated fat, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and loads of sugar. Searching for a solution to this growing problem, researchers at East Carolina University decided to test the effects of aerobic exercise on rats put on a junk food diet. The results, published in an article titled “Exercise Prevents Western-Diet Associated Erection Health Issues: Response to Acute Apocynin and Sepiapterin Treatment,” revealed that regular exercise can effectively improve erectile dysfunction and the function of vessels that supply blood to the heart.
The Study
For 12 weeks, the researchers fed one group of rats chow high in sugar and fat. Another group of rats were fed healthy rat chow instead. Half of the rats in each group exercised five days a week, running intervals on treadmills.
At the end of the 12 week study, the researchers assessed the rats erectile function by electrically stimulating the cavernosal nerve, which increases blood flow to the penis and produces an erection. Additionally, the researchers checked the rats’ heart health by examining the rats’ coronary arteries.
The researchers found that the rats who ate the “western diet” chow and stayed sedentary developed erectile dysfunction and had poor heart health. However, rats that had been fed the “western diet” chow but were allowed to exercise were able to stave off these problems. The rats that were fed healthy rat chow and allowed exercise were able to avoid erectile dysfunction and heart problems.
Researchers believe that staying active when beginning a “western diet” can help to stave off the problems associated with obesity, but stress that they aren’t sure whether or not exercise could be effective at reversing any potential problems after a lifetime of eating poorly.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.