Association between metabolic obesity phenotypes and erectile dysfunction: Insights from a nationally cross-sectional...

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that seriously impacts men sexual health and is associated with metabolic health. This study aims to investigate the association between metabolic obesity phenotypes and ED. This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004. Participants were categorized into 4 groups based on body mass index and metabolic health: metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO), metabolically healthy obese (MHO), metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO), and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO). ED status was defined based on self-reported erectile function. Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between metabolic obesity phenotypes and ED. A total of 3767 men aged ≥ 20 years were included, with 1062 (28.2%) reporting ED. The prevalence of ED was highest among participants with MUO (36.1%), followed by MUNO (31.5%), MHO (14.6%), and MHNO (13.6%). Among all risk components, only obesity (OR = 1.457, 95% CI: 1.092-1.944) and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.795, 95% CI: 1.404-2.294) were independently associated with ED. Compared to MHNO, MUO was associated with higher odds of ED across all age groups. Among participants aged 41-60 years, MHO (OR = 1.953, 95% CI: 1.017-3.749), MUNO (OR = 2.126, 95% CI: 1.054-4.288), and MUO (OR = 2.784, 95% CI: 1.519-5.104) were all associated with a higher risk of ED compared to MHNO. Both obesity and metabolic abnormalities independently and synergistically contribute to the risk of ED. Longitudinal studies and interventions targeting both obesity and metabolic abnormalities should be considered for individuals with ED.