Obesity or being overweight is often used synonymously with “unhealthy”. While the talk around body positivity has made people overcome the adversity these labels used to place on them, we cannot deny that it is still a health risk. Not that you need to worry about the way you look, but you need to look at it in terms of the health risks it poses. One of the biggest impacts that obesity has on your health is hormonal imbalance, which may lead to several health problems and low sex drive is one of them. So yes, obesity affects libido, and here’s everything you need to know about it.

Does obesity affect libido?

Obesity is a risk factor for many health problems, including your sexual health. A study published in the RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics found that obese women experienced less pleasurable intercourse with fewer orgasms and lower arousal. In short, they were reported to be less satisfied with their partners.

Here’s how obesity affects your sex life:

1. Low sex drive

If you’ve been experiencing a lack of sexual desire these days, it could be due to your weight. People who are overweight tend to experience a low sex drive. This happens due to an increase in the level of fats in the body which causes a sex-hormone-binding globulin to increase. It affects the levels of testosterone in your body, reducing libido.

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2. Less orgasms

Being obese or overweight can affect blood flow, due to which you may have difficulty reaching orgasm. It reduces blood flow in the genitals, which causes the blood vessels to become narrow, thus affecting your sexual life. A study in Frontiers found that obesity affects your sexual hormone levels, leading to reduced orgasm or sexual desire.

3. Decreased stamina

Stamina is necessary for a lasting sexual experience, and a lack of it can hamper your sex life. Most people who are obese or overweight tend to have less stamina than others. Stamina in their body decreases and they start feeling tired. Shortness of breath and lethargy are two of the signs that your stamina is decreasing.

Also read: Is your partner struggling to improve sexual stamina? 7 tips to help them last longer

4. Inability to enjoy sex positions

Intimacy is key to having a strong sexual relationship. Some obese or overweight people might not be able to enjoy different sex positions that make their sexual life exciting. This causes your sexual desire to decrease and starts affecting your relationship.

How to improve the chances of an orgasm if you or your partner is overweight?

1. Find a sex position that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and do not underestimate yourself.
2. Foreplay is vital if you want to reach an orgasm as it increases your sexual desire and gives you pleasure.
3. Know your pleasure points and share them with your partner.
4. Communicating your needs and problems with your partner is important. So, don’t be shy and take hold of the situation!
5. Spice up your life with some sex toys. Sex toys such as vibrators and toys can help you enjoy your sexual life.

How to manage your weight to avoid sexual health problems?

The key to avoiding these problems and enjoying sex to the fullest is to keep your weight and fitness levels in check. If you want to lose weight and improve your sex life, here are some tips that can help you.

1. Exercise

It goes without saying that you need to be physically active if you want to lose weight, and in this case enjoy your sex life. Not only does exercise help you lose weight but it also helps fix hormonal problems, causing these issues. It helps burn excess fat in the body by controlling your weight.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Exercise is not enough to lose weight, you need to eat a healthy diet as well. Include more seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating junk food and spicy foods that can increase the risk of obesity.

While these are two of the most sought after ways to lose weight, you should consult with your doctor in case you are suffering from an underlying health problem. Since obesity does affect libido, you should try to reduce the risk by changing some of your lifestyle habits.