Obesity
Research suggests that obesity predisposes developing enlarged prostate and lower urinary tract symptoms. This encompasses most metrics of adiposity, including waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and body mass index. In addition, high levels of stored fat are likely to increase prostate volume and enlargement, suggesting that obesity can trigger unusual and abnormal growth.
Obesity increases intra-abdominal pressure, resulting in increased intravesical pressure that worsens lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary hesitancy, weak urine stream, and nocturia. Moreover, the inflammatory processes and oxidative stress linked to obesity are mechanisms that can worsen prostate gland enlargement.
Based on a study published by the Journal of Urology, obese or overweight men with high amounts of abdominal fat are more likely to develop benign prostatic hyperplasia. For men looking to reduce their risk or shrink the prostate, implementing a healthy weight management strategy can relieve, reduce the size of an enlarged prostate, and alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms. In addition, novel weight loss prevention strategies such as regular exercise and a shift to a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
