Obesity, energy balance and spermatogenesis

Abstract

Obesity has grown to pandemic proportions. It affects an increasing number of children, adolescents and young adults exposed to the silent comorbidities of this disorder for a longer period. Infertility has arisen as one important comorbidity associated with the energy dysfunction promoted by obesity. Spermatogenesis is a highly regulated process that is determined by specific energetic requirements. The reproductive potential of males relies on hormonal-dependent and -independent stimuli that control sperm quality. There are conflicting data concerning the impact of male overweight and obesity on sperm quality, as well as on the possible paternal-induced epigenetic trait inheritance of obesity. In addition, it remains a matter of debate whether massive weight loss induced by lifestyle interventions, drugs or bariatric surgery may or may not benefit obese men seeking fatherhood. Herein, we propose to discuss how energy balance may modulate hormonal signalling and sperm quality in overweight and obese men. We also discuss some molecular mechanisms that mediate obesity-related dysfunction in male reproductive system and how paternal obesity may lead to trait inheritance. Finally, we will discuss how lifestyle modifications and sustained weight loss, particularly the loss achieved by bariatric surgery, may revert some of the deleterious effects of obesity in men and their offspring.Reproduction (2017) 153 R173-R185

Obesity and male hypogonadism: Tales of a vicious cycle

“…Obesity is linked to several comorbidities, spanning from psychological, to mechanical and most particularly to metabolic disorders, leading to female and male gonadal dysfunction in addition to the well‐recognized increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, and even some types of cancer . Moreover, as the number of children and young adults with obesity steadily increases, so does the prevalence of silent consequences resulting from the chronic metabolic imbalance, which will eventually lead to serious negative health impacts in the near future . One of the silent, yet most relevant consequences of obesity installed in early ages is the impairment of female and male reproductive function.…”

Serum microRNAs in male subfertility—biomarkers and a potential pathogenetic link to metabolic syndrome

“…Among metabolic disorders, overweight and obesity come irrecusably to the fore. Obese men suffer from different pathological and clinical conditions compromising spermatogenesis mainly due to the dysfunction of hypothalamic-pituitary-testis axis dysfunction which clearly links obesity to reduced fertility [5]. …”

The effect of self-identity on body shape management

“…However, modern diet seems to be increasingly making the body obese. Obesity is considered to be a very important health threat, it is accepted without obligation, but the obesity population is steadily increasing [1,2]. Obesity is not only closely related to various diseases and cancers but also affects quality of life.…”

“…Furthermore college students, in the early days of an adult, correct body shape management is essential for a healthy family [3]. Recent research has suggested that obesity is kind of a stigmatized condition [1,2]. Concerns with personal inferiority (social level), shame and self-criticism may impact on body shape management behaviors.…”

“…Concerns with personal inferiority (social level), shame and self-criticism may impact on body shape management behaviors. This distorted perception is an obstacle to correct body shape management [1]. Therefore, it is important to recognize oneself correctly and manage one's body shape properly.…”