This archive report was first published on 17 June 2020.
According to Kenyan sexologist Joachim Osur, about 30 per cent of obese men and women suffer from sexual dysfunctions. This is supported by a study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, which found that weight extremes have a negative effect on sexual function through metabolic, hormonal, and psychological parameters.
Sexual functioning is an intrinsic component of overall well-being, and how we feel about our bodies can significantly impact our desire and ability to engage sexually. Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the most effective preventive measures against lifestyle diseases.
Body weight status is determined by the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is calculated by dividing your weight in kilogrammes by the square of your height in metres. A BMI less than 18.5 indicates underweight, while 30 or higher is classified as obese.
Weight and Sexual Function in Men ¶
Age alone is associated with a natural decrease in spontaneous erections, and additional conditions can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Research has shown that obesity is a contributing factor to ED.
Being obese can lead to lowered testosterone levels, increased likelihood of diseases that affect sexual function, and deactivated nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential for the relaxation of smooth muscles that allow the penis to erect.
Why Testosterone Matters for Both Genders ¶
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, crucial for maintaining a man's healthy sex drive. Adequate amounts of it are necessary for erections to occur in men. However, what many do not know is that it also plays a crucial role in maintaining women's healthy libido.
Testosterone in women aids arousal and sexual enjoyment. Reduced levels of the hormone can lead to decreased sensitivity of the vagina and clitoris, affecting libido. Excess belly fat in both men and women has been linked to hormonal imbalance, leading to lessened sex stimulation.
Weight and Sexual Function in Women ¶
A woman's body confidence is related to her sex drive, with a positive body image increasing the chances of wanting to have sex more. A study published in 2007 investigated the distribution of body fat and sexual function in women, revealing that obesity negatively affects several aspects of sexual function, including arousal, lubrication, satisfaction, and orgasm.
Up to 83 per cent of overweight and obese participants had sexual dysfunction, underscoring the speculation that factors involving fat cells are important in the manifestation of female sexual dysfunction (FSD).
According to a study conducted at The Aga Khan University Hospital in 2019, 20.5 per cent of women in Kenya are overweight, and 9.1 per cent are obese. A majority of them use hormonal contraceptives, with increasing rates of discontinuation due to weight loss/gain and loss of libido.
Being Underweight Isn't Any Better ¶
A survey carried out in Denmark showed that being underweight affects men's sexual function more than women, with similar effects as being overweight, including sexual dysfunction and lower sex drive.
Low body weight can also bring fertility problems to women, with lowered estrogen levels interfering with menstruation and potentially leading to irregular cycles, trouble conceiving, or carrying a pregnancy to term.
