How weight, size can affect s*x life!

Your s*xual attitude, behavior and practice are what constitute your s*xuality. This varies between individuals and it includes the physical; which encompasses s*xual intercourse and practice. Because of the totality of s*xuality, obese condition in both male and female can affect s*xual performance, enjoyment and satisfaction respectively.

This can manifest as reduced s*xual drive or desire, lack of self esteem in s*xual relationship and s*xual performance.

Although the issue of obesity and s*xuality could sometimes be sensitive and difficult, because it has a high potential for embarrassment. It is advisable to be non judgmental when talking about such issue as this.

Obesity is broadly defined as an excess in body fat or, more specifically, as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30. It remains a serious health issue due to the various medical complications associated with it.  This includes,   diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone problems and sleep apnea.

In addition, it may have a negative impact on your quality of life, physical functioning, self esteem, emotional well-being and social functioning.

Obese individuals commonly experience some s*xual dissatisfaction or s*xual difficulties related to their weight. In males, for example, it has been proven that obesity can lower s*xual satisfaction and cause erectile dysfunction.

The relationship between obesity and female s*xual dysfunction is less clear, though obesity may lead to reduced s*xual desires in women. Obese people may experience social stigmatisation, discrimination and prejudice because of their weight. Poor self-esteem and body image affect overall s*xuality.

Overweight people may feel like s*xual misfits, unattractive and undesirable, causing them to avoid potential or actual s*xual relationships. Generally, those people who consider their weight to be a real problem and who seek treatment are those who have the highest rates of s*xual problems.

Obesity can also be related to s*xuality in the reverse fashion. If you have had problems with your s*xuality or have been the victim of s*xual abuse, you may turn to binge or comfort eating to help deal with your experiences. Psychological issues may cause you to use your weight as a means of avoiding relationships or intimacy. A doctor or psychologist can help you to explore the underlying basis for your problems.

A variety of different treatments to combat obesity are available, including lifestyle changes, weight loss drugs, meal replacement programs and surgical procedures.

Note that, obese men may gain a unique benefit from losing weight. Obesity is cited as a major contributor to buried penis syndrome, a condition in which the penis is buried or hidden under tissue above the pubic area. Although surgery can resolve the issue in some circumstances, weight loss is often the easier option.

Ways obesity can affect a man’s health and s*xuality:

Less testosterone

Obesity lowers testosterone levels, which can affect muscle function and heart health.

Erectile dysfunction

Men who are obese are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction  than men with healthy weights. Weight loss can improve erectile function for overweight men.

Fertility

Obesity has been linked to low sperm counts and reduced sperm motility, both of which can make a man less fertile.

Kidney stones

Obese men are more likely than men with healthy weights to develop kidney stones, which are typically very painful.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate): The prostate gland often enlarges with age. The prostate tends to enlarge more in men who are overweight.

Prostate cancer: Obesity changes the metabolism of s*x hormones. Some studies have shown that extra body fat increases a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.

Shedding excess pounds is hard, but possible, notes the Harvard Men’s Health Watch. The proven method is to adjust your diet to take in fewer calories and ramp up your exercise to burn off more calories.

Courtesy: Men’s Health