J-shaped association between lipid accumulation product and erectile dysfunction risk: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2001–2004

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disorder in men. It frequently induces anxiety, a low quality of life, and psychological problems in patients. The lipid accumulation product (LAP) indicates the accumulation of visceral fat and is calculated using waist circumference and triglyceride levels. However, the correlation between LAP and ED risk remains unclear. Data from 21,162 participants were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States between 2001 and 2004. Multivariate logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline analyses, and subgroup analyses were used to explore the relationship between LAP and ED risk. The analysis revealed a significant J-shaped nonlinear correlation between LAP and ED risk. The inflection point was 6.80. The LAP was negatively and positively correlated with ED risk before and after the LAP value reached 6.80, respectively. These findings suggest that maintaining the LAP within a certain range is crucial for reducing ED risk in clinical practice. Subgroup analysis supported consistency in all study cohorts. A J-shaped relationship was observed between baseline LAP levels and ED risk in the general US population, with an inflection point of 6.80. Therefore, the LAP may be a valuable biomarker for detecting ED and may offer a new approach for the evaluation of ED.