Your s£xuality and obesity

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

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

Although the issue of obesity and sexuality could sometimes be sensitive and difficult, because it has a high potential for embarrassment. It is advisable to be non judgmental when talking about an issue like 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 sexual dissatisfaction or sexual difficulties related to their weight. In males, for example, it has been proven that obesity can lower sexual satisfaction and cause erectile dysfunction. The relationship between obesity and female sexual dysfunction is less clear, though obesity may lead to reduced sexual desires in women. Obese people may experience social stigmatisation, discrimination and prejudice because of their weight. Poor self-esteem and body image affect overall sexuality.

.Overweight people may feel like sexual misfits, unattractive and undesirable, causing them to avoid potential or actual sexual 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 sexual problems.

Obesity can also be related to sexuality in the reverse fashion. If you have had problems with your sexuality or have been the victim of sexual 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 programmes 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.