Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are good for the sex life of middle-aged men. Efforts to shed extra pounds and get rid of the beer belly contribute to increased libido, higher sperm count and better erections, scientists have found. Losing weight reduces the risk of low testosterone by 50%. British researchers followed 900 men with an average age of 54 who participated in an American diabetes prevention program. What is established? Weight loss not only prevents the development of the disease in men with prediabetes, but also increases testosterone production. For the purpose of the study, the scientists divided the volunteers into three groups. The number of men with low testosterone levels was almost identical among those taking the antidiabetic drug metformin or a placebo. NEWS_MORE_BOX However, the results are different in the group of men who made lifestyle changes related to healthy eating and regular physical exercise. The percentage of participants with low testosterone dropped from 20% at the start of the study to 11% a year later. Low testosterone is a common problem among overweight men before they develop diabetes, explains lead researcher Dr Francis Hayes of the University Hospital of St. Vincent’ in Dublin. To increase hormone levels, a doctor may first encourage a man to reduce excess weight through diet and exercise before resorting to testosterone therapy, the expert recommends.