Does weight gain affect libido?
Reviewed by Dr Bhavini Shah
Studies show that weight plays a role in sexual dysfunction (problems with desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual pain). We will talk through how weight affects your sex drive, and what you can do about it.
The relationship between weight and libido (sex drive)
Studies strongly suggest that obesity can cause sexual dysfunction. While the exact link isn’t precisely known, we do know that obesity can affect libido in a myriad of ways.
One study of obese women found that 48% had problems with desire, 36% with arousal, 45% with lubrication, and 43% experienced pain during sex. For men, obesity can also increase your risk of developing erectile dysfunction by up to 50%, making sexual intercourse much more difficult.
“If you are overweight or obese, you are at greater risk of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression, all of which can affect your sex drive.” Dr Bhavini Shah
Diabetes
Diabetes can be tiring and cause low moods. If your diabetes is affecting your sleep or mood, your libido may drop. Tiredness plays a major role in libido.
If you have diabetes, you may be at risk of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage). This can make it more difficult for men to get and keep an erection, and worrying about this may affect libido. Research has shown a significant link between low testosterone levels and type 2 diabetes in men. Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and plays an important role in sex drive and sexual performance.
Both men and women with diabetic neuropathy may also find it difficult to experience sexual stimulation, and not enjoy sex as much because of this.
High blood pressure
Over time, high blood pressure causes arteries to narrow and harden. This reduces blood flow. Reduced blood flow can make it harder for men to get and maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). The emotional side effects of this can cause low libido.
Some people taking the blood pressure tablets, propranolol, say that their sex drive goes down. However, this is not listed as a common side effect, and there is limited information on this topic.
High cholesterol
A lower sex drive is sometimes a reported side effect of statins. Statins are medicines that reduce the ‘bad cholesterol’ in the blood. Find out more about lowering high cholesterol.
Studies show that statins can improve erectile dysfunction but may also make it worse. More research is needed on this topic.
Depression and anxiety
Research shows that there is a link between depression and obesity. It is not clear what the link is, but we do know that they make each other worse. Those with depression can face a 50-70% risk of developing sexual dysfunction.
Some anti-depressants can make it harder to become aroused and orgasm. Erectile dysfunction is a well known side-effect of common SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine, also referred to by their brand names, Zoloft and Prozac.
Low testosterone
Some studies have suggested a link between obesity and low testosterone, however more research is needed. When some men reach their 40s or 50s, they experience mental and physical symptoms such as depression, loss of sex drive and erectile dysfunction. There is some overlap between symptoms of menopause and low testosterone - mood swings, difficulty sleeping and changes in body shape.
Pelvic floor disorders
Obesity is believed to have a very strong effect on pelvic floor disorders. The pelvic floor muscles play a key role in getting and maintaining an erection. In one study, pelvic floor muscle exercises improved erectile function in 75% of men.
How the impact of weight gain on libido affects people
We analysed 784 comments and 4,258 interactions on Reddit forums to discover how people are discussing the topic online.
The analysis found that the majority of comments (42%) discussed the benefits of weight loss on their libido and offered weight loss advice with the specific goal of improving their libido.
Interestingly, 10% of all comments discussed how improved confidence and self-esteem after weight loss improved their libido, 10% discussed how increased energy levels after weight loss improved their libido, and 9% of comments discussed how weight loss improved their relationship dynamics.
How to improve your sex drive if you’re struggling with weight gain
The first thing we recommend doing is talking to your GP. To begin with, they may recommend some lifestyle or treatment changes. If it's not clear what’s causing your low sex-drive, they may want to do some tests. For example, to check that diabetes or blood pressure is being managed properly.
Weight loss
Losing weight can also help your libido and improve some health conditions. If it’s possible, start up an exercise routine and change your diet. We recommend talking to your doctor before making any drastic changes.
Relationships
Talking with your partner is also a good starting point. An open and honest conversation can help with your emotional connection. This can lead to better sex. Some people find that relationship counselling helps too.
As well as conversations with your GP and partner, it’s also worth spending some time reflecting on what you think is the root of the problem. This could help you to get the right support and lead a more fulfilling sex life.
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17233791/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6771291/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5644896/
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/life-with-diabetes/sex-and-diabetes
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/nerve-damage-diabetic-neuropathies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4023379/
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/propranolol/
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/statins-and-sex
https://www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/when-an-ssri-medication-impacts-your-sex-life
https://www.relate.org.uk/sex-counselling
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6047250/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11195-012-9274-4
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6711470/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007725/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1324914/
