There seems to be a connection between obesity and BPH, and increased body fatness is strongly correlated with prostate volume and prostate enlargement. Having overweight or obesity also increases the chances of undergoing medical treatment or surgery for BPH.[1]
The mechanisms by which obesity increases the risk of BPH have not been solidified, but may involve inflammation and oxidative stress, increased intra-abdominal pressure, microvascular dysfunction, and increased estrogen levels.[2]
Weight loss seems to improve BPH and BPH-related symptoms. In one study, prostate volume size was reduced after a 6-month weight loss intervention in men with metabolic syndrome and a clinical diagnosis of BPH.[3]
References
- ^Parsons JK, Sarma AV, McVary K, Wei JTObesity and benign prostatic hyperplasia: clinical connections, emerging etiological paradigms and future directions.J Urol.(2013-Jan)
- ^Eschely Mampa et al.The correlation between obesity and prostate volume in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
- ^Lu Yong et al. The Effect of Weight Losing to Benign Prostate Hyperplasia Patients with Metabolic Syndrome