Weight Management & Prostate Health

"Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce risk factors for prostate enlargement and urinary symptoms," according to an article in ScienceDirect, the platform for scientific, health and technical literature. 

"A preponderance of published evidence suggests strong positive associations of obesity with benign prostatic hyperplasia and lower urinary tract symptoms," the article adds.

It's one more reason for men in middle age and beyond to feel encouraged to take on healthy habits like good nutrition and add exercise to their lives.  

In terms of the latter factor, ScienceDirect says, "... most studies showed that physical activity significantly decreases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)."

BPH is defined as a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is common in men over 50. As the prostate grows, it compresses the urethra, causing lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent/urgent urination, a weak stream, and incomplete emptying. 

"Obesity markedly increases the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia," ScienceDirect's article goes on to explain. "Since physical activity decreases the risk of (BPH), these observations support the development of novel prevention strategies and treatment targeted toward adiposity, weight loss and lifestyle."