Every guy likes to look good and feel good, and that's one reason why tackling obesity can be of benefit to any man. But beyond general health concerns, fighting obesity often pays off in the area of penis health. This relates to general penile health as well as to erectile health. For most men, that could be reason enough to try to shed a few extra pounds.

The obesity problem

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 35% of American adults (close to 79 million people) can be classified as obese. (Obesity is defined as having a body mass index of 30 or higher.)

Being significantly overweight can have a substantial effect on one's health - and those effects can be reflected in penis health matters as well.

Among the areas of special concern for men are:

- Cardiac health. When the body has to carry around a great deal of extra bulk, it puts extra strain on the heart. Overworking the heart eventually causes wear and tear and has an impact on its performance. In addition, obesity is often caused by improper diets which contribute to potential accumulations in the arteries. The combination of a weaker heart and blockages in the arteries can seriously impede blood flow. Without proper blood flow, the penis has a difficult time obtaining and maintaining an erection. Diminished blood flow can result in a lessening of sensation in the member as well.

- Depression. Whether obesity contributes to feelings of depression or results from those feelings is a question that is still open to debate. Whatever the answer, there is a link between the two, and whatever the reason for the onset of the depression, increasing weight gain tends to worsen it. Depression, in turn, has a negative effect on sexual performance in most males.

- Endothelium damage. Blood vessels are lined with a thin layer of tissue that coats the inner surfaces of blood vessels, including those in the penis which are functional components in the erectile process. When a man is overweight, the endothelium expands, constricting blood flow.

- Testosterone decrease and penile "shrinkage." Obesity has an impact on testosterone production, which in turn can dampen a man's sexual drive and erectile function. In addition, sometimes excess weight in the midsection hides a portion of the base of the penis under a roll of fat, giving the appearance that the manhood has shrunk.

Fighting fat and its effects

Men who are obese are well advised to consult with a doctor to devise changes to their diet and exercise routine that can help them shed pounds. Being appropriately fit can have an enormous benefit in terms of erectile function and penis health.

In general, establishing a nutritious diet that emphasizes healthy foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products can be beneficial to losing weight. It's also important to watch out for fatty foods and to limit red meat intake to a proper amount.

Regular exercise is also key. While it's great if a man can get into aerobic-based exercises that really get the heart pumping, what's important is making sure a guy is at least more physically active. If this means taking a daily 20-minute walk, that can be a great way to start - and for some men, it may make a big difference.

In addition to fighting obesity, guys can help maintain proper penis health by regular application of a quality penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil). The proper crème - that is, one with L-arginine - can help specifically with penis blood flow maintenance. L-arginine helps produce nitric oxide, which in turn keeps blood vessels receptive to flow. It is also advisable for the crème to include vitamin C, which supplements L-arginine in promoting healthy circulation. A man using Man1 Man Oil is well on the way to achieving enhanced penis health.