Increasing overweight threatens sexual life

The increase in overweight in the population threatens sexual life because this factor reduces the production of testosterone, affects libido and multiplies cases of erectile dysfunction, according to the sexologist in Delhi.

The latest National Health Survey reveals that 17% of adults suffer from obesity, that is, they have a Body Mass Index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 kg / m2, which represents almost 10% more than 25 years ago. If overweight is also taken into account, the percentage of those affected reaches 53.7%.

It is estimated that 79% of men with erectile dysfunction have a BMI of 25 kg / m2 or greater. A BMI in the range of 25-30 kg / m2 is associated with a 1.5 times greater risk of sexual dysfunction, and in the range of more than 30 kg / m2, a 3 times greater risk.

It is estimated that more than 20 million Indians suffer from erectile dysfunction, although the prevalence increases with age. Thus, between 18 and 40 years it affects 17% of men; between the ages of 40 and 70, at 47%, and from the age of 70, at 72%.

It is considered sexual impotence “when a sufficient erection is not achieved to initiate, maintain and end a penetrative sexual intercourse, satisfactory for both members of the couple,” says the best sexologist in Delhi.

Diagnosis and risk factors

For the diagnosis of these problems, a multidisciplinary study is required that includes a meticulous clinical history to detect physical and psychological risk factors with the participation of a specialist in sexual medicine or andrology who will determine the appropriate treatment for each patient,” sexologist in India adds. .

The factors that most influence are hypertension, alterations in plasma lipids, diabetes, obesity and increased fat mass, especially abdominal.

“For this reason, to prevent the appearance and treat this disorder, it is essential to eat a healthy diet, exercise and maintain a healthy weight,” says Dr. P K Gupta, a sexologist doctor in Delhi, who specializes in Sexual Health.

This situation constitutes an opportunity to treat overweight, since the presence of erectile dysfunction in obese subjects could help health professionals to convince them to start a “virtuous circle” in which the correction of sexual dysfunction will be the reward for a better lifestyle behavior.

In fact, one of the first steps sex specialist in Delhi recommends to enjoy your sex life is losing weight. Research from Duke University in the United States showed that 68% of overweight women did not feel sexually attractive. One year after starting a diet, only 26% continued to think this way.

At first, 63% did not want to be seen naked, but only 34% said the same one year later. At the beginning of the study, 21% of the women said they did not enjoy sexual intercourse and only 11% responded this way after one year.

Being overweight affects self-esteem and sexual desire but it does it differently in men and women, according to the doctor. “Men are more likely to suffer from sexual impotence and women to suffer from lack of desire,” sexologist in Delhi explains.

Some studies have shown that 68% of obese women suffer from sexual dissatisfaction, a percentage that is reduced to 46% in women of normal weight.