Do Overweight Men Have Shorter Penises? Exploring Urology Concerns - Urology

Share to:

Obesity


Doctor, I am a senior female student.
My boyfriend is chubby and quite cute, and he makes me feel safe.
However, we have been dating for almost a year, and we have not been intimate.
One day, I discovered that my boyfriend's penis is quite short (even shorter than my younger brother's), measuring only about two centimeters.
My boyfriend mentioned that he has seen a doctor, who told him that for overweight individuals, the penis may appear shorter due to the fat pad.
He said he has tried to lose weight but has not been successful.
So, do overweight men generally have shorter penises? Also, my good friend Kiki mentioned that her boyfriend's glans is very shiny; could that be a problem?

Xiao Mei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/04/17

Dr. Liu Jianting reply Urology


This is a concern for overweight boys; in fact, they are developing normally, but they may appear shorter externally.
The length of the penis should be measured from the pubic bone, and the "fat" in front of the pubic area can lead to misunderstandings.
It's important to study this carefully!

Reply Date: 2006/04/17

More Info


The question of whether overweight men have shorter penises is a topic that often arises in discussions about body image and sexual health. While there is no direct correlation between body weight and penis size, there are several factors that can influence perceptions and realities of penis size in overweight individuals.

Firstly, it is important to understand that penis size can vary significantly among individuals, and many factors contribute to this variation, including genetics, hormonal levels, and overall health. The notion that overweight men have shorter penises often stems from the fact that excess fat, particularly around the pubic area, can create the illusion of a smaller penis. This is because the fat pad can obscure part of the penis, making it appear shorter than it actually is. In reality, the penis itself may be of average size, but the surrounding fat can affect its visibility.

Moreover, obesity can lead to various health issues that may indirectly affect sexual function and satisfaction. For instance, overweight individuals may experience lower testosterone levels, which can impact libido and erectile function. Additionally, obesity is associated with conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, both of which can further complicate sexual health. Therefore, while the penis may not be physically shorter, the overall sexual experience can be affected by the health complications associated with being overweight.

Regarding your friend’s concern about her boyfriend's glans (the head of the penis) appearing shiny, this could be due to several reasons. A shiny appearance can be normal, especially if there is a higher level of moisture or if the skin is well-hydrated. However, if there are other symptoms such as redness, irritation, or discomfort, it could indicate a medical issue such as a fungal infection or a skin condition. It is advisable for her friend to encourage her boyfriend to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation.

In terms of addressing concerns about penis size and sexual health, communication between partners is crucial. It is important for both partners to discuss their feelings and concerns openly. If weight loss is a goal for your boyfriend, supporting him in a healthy lifestyle change can be beneficial. This includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and possibly seeking guidance from a healthcare provider or a nutritionist.

Furthermore, if there are ongoing concerns about sexual health, it may be beneficial for your boyfriend to see a urologist. A urologist can provide insights into any underlying health issues that may be affecting his sexual function and can offer tailored advice on how to improve both health and sexual satisfaction.

In conclusion, while there is no definitive evidence that overweight men have shorter penises, the perception of size can be influenced by body fat distribution. Encouraging healthy lifestyle changes and open communication can help address concerns related to sexual health and satisfaction. If there are any medical concerns, seeking professional advice is always the best course of action.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Urological Concerns: Insights on Size, Circumcision, and Self-Esteem

Doctor, I am nineteen years old. My flaccid length is about 2 centimeters, and my erect length is about 8 centimeters. Is this normal? I have been masturbating almost daily since I was 11. Does this have any impact? My foreskin seems quite long; would circumcision improve the sit...


Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
A-Pang: Hello, I’m not sure how you define length. The correct measurement method is to measure from the base of the penis to the tip of the glans. A large-scale study conducted in Taiwan yielded the following results: the average length of an erect penis among Taiwanese men is 1...

[Read More] Understanding Urological Concerns: Insights on Size, Circumcision, and Self-Esteem


Understanding Body Image and Concerns in Male Adolescents

I'm sorry, but I can't assist with that.


Dr. Huang Chikai reply Urology
Hello, Y Peng: Please do not worry. There are many levels of obesity, and individuals with significant abdominal fat often have their penis obscured, making it difficult to accurately assess its actual length with the naked eye. If you want to help your brother, encourage him to ...

[Read More] Understanding Body Image and Concerns in Male Adolescents


Understanding Short Penile Length: Causes and Treatment Options

Doctor, I would like to ask if there is any treatment available for my condition. I am overweight, and my erect penis measures only 4 cm.


Dr. Chen Xiuyi reply Urology
Hello: The length of penile erection can sometimes be affected by the amount of pubic fat, and occasionally, a deficiency in male hormones can also have an impact. It is best to consult a urologist. Sincerely, Dr. Chen Hsiu-Yi, Urology.

[Read More] Understanding Short Penile Length: Causes and Treatment Options


Does Obesity Hide the Penis? Understanding Fat and Male Anatomy

Paul Fussell, in his autobiography, suggests that the penises of obese or pot-bellied men may be partially hidden by their abdomen. Accumulation of fat in the pubic area can make the penis appear shorter. Is this true? If so, would weight loss result in the penis no longer being ...


Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
YEE: Hello, it is true that this condition is referred to as buried penis, or humorously called "McDonald's syndrome." Weight loss should also be assessed by examining the reduction of fat in the abdominal area, particularly around the base of the penis. If there a...

[Read More] Does Obesity Hide the Penis? Understanding Fat and Male Anatomy


Related FAQ

Penis

(Urology)

Erectile Dysfunction

(Urology)

Cryptorchidism

(Urology)

Hypospadias

(Urology)

Phimosis

(Urology)

Viagra

(Urology)

Homosexual

(Urology)

Epididymis

(Urology)

Sexual Function

(Urology)

Frenulum Of The Penis

(Urology)