Obesity and male infertility - a tenuous relationship: Facts discerned for the busy clinicians

Obesity is a common health problem affecting over a third of the population worldwide. Obesity has been correlated with many diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, cancer, brain degeneration, and premature aging. In men, obesity can also cause issues like erectile dysfunction, poor sperm quality, and prostate problems. Factors like high insulin levels, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress may play a role in how obesity affects male fertility. Obesity can disrupt the male reproductive system by changing hormone levels, affecting sperm production, and causing problems with metabolism. This can result in a reduction of sperm count, motility, and normal forms. Obesity can also cause sperm DNA fragmentation, increase cell death, and impact the genetic information that can be passed on to future generations. This narrative review explores how obesity impacts male reproductive health and fertility, as well as possible treatment options like weight management, lifestyle changes, medications, and alternative therapies.