It’s well-documented that being overweight can lead to life-threatening conditions such as type 2 diabetes; coronary heart disease; some types of cancer; and lead to psychological issues such as depression.
But have you ever thought about how being overweight can impact your sex life? We have!
How being overweight impacts your confidence
For many, being in a good mood and feeling confident about body image plays a huge part in your sex drive. Being too body-conscious or feeling low certainly won’t put you in the mood to partake in any sexual activity.
Research from David B. Sarwer, PhD and Heather M. Polonsky found that: “Many individuals who have obesity also struggle with issues related to their mood, self-esteem, quality of life, and body image.”
Kelley Kitley, LCSW, and owner of Serendipitous Psychotherapy, LLC, also notes: "There can be a self-consciousness or limiting beliefs about ability or desire [when you're overweight]”.
The link between obesity and erectile dysfunction
An article for the International Journal of Impotence Research found that being overweight or obese may increase the risk of erectile dysfunction by 30–90%, compared with people of a healthy weight. And of course, experiencing erectile dysfunction will make sex more difficult.
The article also advised: “Lifestyle changes, mainly focussing on regular physical activity and a healthy diet, are effective and safe ways to reduce cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality in all population groups; they may also prevent and treat sexual dysfunctions in both sexes.”
Sexual positions
If you’re someone that likes to be quite adventurous in the bedroom, being overweight will prevent you, or at least make it more difficult, from getting into certain positions. This can leave you or your partner feeling unsatisfied.
Can your weight impact your ability to climax?
Being overweight will decrease blood flow to both male and female genitals. A proper blood flow is crucial in order to orgasm. So in short, yes, being overweight will impact your ability to climax.
But it’s not all bad news, experts say that losing 10 pounds can free up the testosterone needed to get aroused and climax. It’s worth noting that weighing too little can also have a negative effect on your testosterone and libido levels.
You can also alter your diet to improve your sex life too. By choosing a lower-fat diet and consuming more fruit and vegetables, you’ll be able to keep your blood sugar and cholesterol in control which can help to improve your sex drive.
If you’re looking to improve your sex life, losing excess weight might just be the answer. Don’t want to start your weight loss journey alone? You don’t have to.
Men’s Weight Loss Courses
Are you a man that wants to lose weight? You’re in the right place. With a choice of two courses, you can access healthy recipes, exercise videos, motivational content, sleeping advice – and everything else you need to lose weight for good.
SIGN-UP FOR A COURSEAlternatively, if you would like to speak to someone about any of our services, or would like assistance taking the assessment online please contact us on 0300 303 9988 or email provide.essexwellbeing@nhs.net to talk to one of our friendly team members.
