Does being overweight or obese increase the risk of BPH?

    Written by:
    Detrick Snyder, Mike Murray

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Marina Shkayeva
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Obesity is associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) because higher body fatness correlates with greater prostate volume and a higher likelihood of requiring medical treatment or surgery for BPH. Weight loss may alleviate BPH symptoms and reduce prostate size, particularly in men with metabolic syndrome.

    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]