Better erections
- Published in
- JAMA 2004
- People studied
- 110
In a trial of 110 men with obesity and erectile dysfunction, 31% in a weight-loss and activity programme reached a normal erectile function score after 2 years, against about 5% with general advice.
- Checked against
- PubMed 15213209
- Published in
- JAMA 2004
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
110 men with obesity and erectile dysfunction, without diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, were randomly given detailed advice on losing 10% or more by eating less and moving more, or general advice. After 2 years BMI fell from about 37 to 31 in the programme group. 17 of 55 men (31%) reached a normal erectile function score, against 3 of 55 (about 5%) in the comparison group.
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial
- People studied
- 110
- How long
- 2 years
- Compared with
- men given general advice on healthy food and exercise
- Main result
- 31% reached normal erectile function, against about 5%.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
One centre in Italy, in men aged 35 to 55 without other major conditions. About two thirds of the men in the programme did not reach normal function.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on intimate health
- Better erectionsRandomised trials · Esposito et al., JAMA 2004
- Fewer urine leaksRandomised trials · Subak et al., NEJM 2009
- Easier hot flushesRandomised trials · Huang et al., Arch Intern Med 2010
- Better sexual function in womenRandomised trials · Wing et al., Diabetes Care 2013
- Higher testosteroneLong-term or observational studies · Camacho et al., Eur J Endocrinol 2013
- Fewer urine leaks in menRandomised trials · Breyer et al., J Urol 2014
The next step is a conversation, not a decision
A licensed doctor decides whether any treatment is right for you. The answer can also be no treatment.
1You fill in a short form
2We call you within 24 hours
3A paid 20-minute video consultation with a doctor
4The doctor goes through your options and decides what is right for you