Indeed, we find that obese people are more prone to sexual disorders.
- One study has linked BMI to sexual dysfunction.
- Several factors have an impact on the sexual fulfillment of men.
- Obese women can also suffer from a lack of sexual fulfillment.
Weight affects many areas of our lives: general health, mental health, and sexual satisfaction. A team from the Vaudois University Hospital in Lausanne has studied the link between male sexual dysfunction and obesity. They observed a clear link between the two pathologies, but they also proposed effective treatments. Their results were published in the Swiss medical journal.
What are the links between obesity and sexuality?
“Local disorders related to cavernous tissue relaxation, endocrine changes and nerve signal alterations seem to be the basis of erectile dysfunction in these patients. noted the researchers. This disorder is manifested by the inability to obtain or maintain an erection strong enough for sexual intercourse. Several factors may play a role in sexual fulfillment in obese men, including an altered body image that can impair sexual performance, the study authors say. “The decrease in the functional size of the penis due to the pubic fat pad and the decrease in physical abilities can erode confidence in sexual performance and therefore sexual desire., they added. The presence of cardiovascular diseases, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can also impact sex life.
General support
“A reduction in BMI has been clearly shown to improve erectile function and sexual desire, and this method should be offered to motivated patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.”,explain the researchers. According to them, a combination of increased physical activity and erectile dysfunction medication is necessary to achieve good results. It can be treated in different ways: Viagra-type drugs, intracavernous injections or testosterone supplementation. Swiss scientists have observed that all these factors are interrelated: “Since sexuality plays an important role in male self-esteem, improved sexual function leads to improved mood and increased motivation for weight loss.”
What about women?
Inserm researchers have also looked into the link between obesity and sexual behavior in an article published in the British Medical Journal. Using a study of 12,300 people, they found that obese women were 30% less likely to have a sexual partner than women whose BMI was within the standard range. The researchers also point out that they are often less well followed. “Obese women under 30 were less likely to seek contraceptive advice or use oral contraceptivesthey add. They were also more likely to report an unwanted pregnancy.“ Generally, social pressure, low self-esteem and concerns about their body image do not go hand in hand with sexual fulfillment.