Plump Thai men warned of sexual problems and other diseases

November 15, 2004

Bangkok - Plumpness in Thai men may be generally viewed as a sign of being well-off, but the Ministry of Public Health has warned that obesity might cost them their happiness, especially in their sex lives, and adversely affect their reproduction systems.

The ministry referred to a recent study's finding that overweight men have a low sperm count, which will cause difficulty with reproduction.

Many of them have sexual problems, especially those who are also heavy smokers and drinkers.

"Among the problems, the most serious is the possibility of impotence," said the ministry's spokeswoman, Nittaya Chanreungmahapol.

The World Health Organisation (WHO)'s recent report unveiled that about 300 million adults worldwide are obese and more than one billion are overweight.

"About 13 percent of Thai adults are obese," said Ms. Nittaya.

Obesity leads to many diseases, such as heart and coronary diseases, diabetes and cancer.

Eighty percent of overweight persons suffer from diabetes.

The ministry is, therefore, running anti-obesity campaigns to encourage exercise and eating awareness among Thais to promote their good health, and to prevent related diseases.

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