Could those extra pounds affect sexual performance? Possibly. Data presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association has drawn a correlation between the male waistline and libido. The study depicts that men with large waistlines are more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) than those with slender tummies.

In a survey of almost 2000 men between 51 to 88 years of age, 34 percent reported mild to severe erectile dysfunction. In most cases, the men were older, had high blood pressure and weighed more than their study counterparts. In fact, after adjusting for age, hypertension, and smoking men with over endowed waistlines were more apt to suffer from erectile dysfunction. Waistlines measuring 42 inches or more were twice as likely to suffer from impotence compared with men whose belt size measured 32 inches.

Additionally, inactive men were more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction than men who exercised a minimum of 30 minutes per day. According to Eric Rimm of Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, "Even though erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 30 million American men, little research has been done about how modifiable lifestyle factors may contribute to the condition. This study indicates that erectile dysfunction may be correlated with lifestyle factors, reinforcing once again how important adequate exercise and a healthy diet are to overall good health.”

In Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that 59 percent of Canadian men between the ages of 15 and 65 are deemed overweight (body mass index of 25.0 or higher). The American Heart Association approximates 55 million American men over the age of 20 are considered overweight (body mass index of 25.0 or higher). Moreover, medical experts organized by the World Health Organization found that overweight and obesity represent a rapidly growing threat to the health of populations in a number of countries, worldwide. (Body Mass Index (BMI) is calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters (kg/m2). BMI correlates highly with body fat.)

Dr. Gerald Brock, Associate Professor, Division of Urology, University of Western Ontario concurs with other medical professionals about the overweight and erectile dysfunction issue being resolvable."I see men like this in my practice quite often and am encouraged to see this data confirms my observations. This type of data provides physicians with more proof with which to counsel patients to lose weight, in order to improve their overall health, while at the same time receiving effective erectile dysfunction treatment for those affected," states Dr. Brock. As extra weight may impede the libido, Viagra can lend extensive performance.