Sexual Function, Obesity, and Weight Loss in Men and Women
- PMID: 28456610
- DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.03.006
Sexual Function, Obesity, and Weight Loss in Men and Women
Abstract
Introduction: Obesity is a major health concern in the United States and many developed countries. Among its many deleterious effects are those that can affect the sexual response.
Aim: To update and evaluate the state of knowledge on the possible link between obesity and sexual dysfunction.
Methods: A comprehensive search and review of biomedical, physiologic, and psychological databases were used to integrate findings on obesity, weight loss, and sexual function.
Main outcome measures: We briefly explain the two variables of interest-sexual functioning and obesity-indicating possible points of linkage. Then, we attempt to (i) describe possible direct links between obesity and sexual dysfunction; (ii) understand potential mediating biological, comorbid, and psychological factors and the interactions among such factors; (iii) discern differences in the mechanism and impact of obesity across the sexes; and (iv) review evidence suggesting that weight loss improves sexual functioning in obese individuals.
Results: The link between obesity and sexual function is complex and multivariate, with at least three different pathways likely: direct effects from adipose tissue; effects from pathophysiologic comorbidities; and effects mediated by psychological factors. In addition, effects and pathways appear to be different for men and women.
Conclusion: We conclude by identifying some existing challenges for the study of obesity and sexual function, specify areas that warrant further investigation, and reiterate the potential value of encouraging obese patients to consider weight loss as a path toward a healthier and more sexually satisfying life. Rowland DL, McNabney SM, Mann AR. Sexual Function, Obesity, and Weight Loss in Men and Women. Sex Med Rev 2017;5:323-338.
Keywords: Anxiety; Hormones; Metabolic Syndrome; Obesity; Sexual Function; Weight Loss.
Copyright © 2017 International Society for Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Similar articles
-
Weight loss by multidisciplinary intervention improves endothelial and sexual function in obese fertile women.J Sex Med. 2013 Apr;10(4):1024-33. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12069. Epub 2013 Jan 24. J Sex Med. 2013. PMID: 23347577 Clinical Trial.
-
Changes in sexual function among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a pilot study.J Sex Med. 2013 Feb;10(2):467-73. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12011. Epub 2012 Dec 4. J Sex Med. 2013. PMID: 23210985
-
Sexual functioning and obesity: a review.Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Dec;20(12):2325-33. doi: 10.1038/oby.2012.104. Epub 2012 Apr 23. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012. PMID: 22522887 Review.
-
Metabolic syndrome and sexual (dys)function.J Sex Med. 2009 Nov;6(11):2958-75. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2009.01412.x. Epub 2009 Aug 12. J Sex Med. 2009. PMID: 19678882 Review.
-
Sex hormones and sexual function in obese men losing weight.Obes Res. 2003 Jun;11(6):689-94. doi: 10.1038/oby.2003.98. Obes Res. 2003. PMID: 12805389 Clinical Trial.
Cited by
-
Sexuality and self-concept of morbidly obese women who are sexually attracted to men after bariatric surgery: a phenomenological study.BMC Womens Health. 2024 Mar 13;24(1):174. doi: 10.1186/s12905-024-03014-1. BMC Womens Health. 2024. PMID: 38481251 Free PMC article.
-
Total and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D is not associated with improved sexual dysfunction following vitamin D supplementation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: a pilot study.J Sex Med. 2024 Feb 27;21(3):240-247. doi: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad176. J Sex Med. 2024. PMID: 38303661
-
Sexual function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Hum Reprod Update. 2024 May 2;30(3):323-340. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmad034. Hum Reprod Update. 2024. PMID: 38237144 Free PMC article.
-
Sexual Function and Satisfaction in the Context of Obesity.Curr Diab Rep. 2023 Nov;23(11):315-327. doi: 10.1007/s11892-023-01523-1. Epub 2023 Aug 26. Curr Diab Rep. 2023. PMID: 37632680 Review.
-
Effects of Hormonal Profile, Weight, and Body Image on Sexual Function in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.Healthcare (Basel). 2023 May 19;11(10):1488. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11101488. Healthcare (Basel). 2023. PMID: 37239774 Free PMC article.
Publication types
MeSH terms
LinkOut - more resources
Full Text Sources
Other Literature Sources
Medical
Research Materials