Having obese people less satisfying sexual life: study (HealthDay)

(Tuesday, may 3, HealthDay News) - obesity can reduce levels of sexual satisfaction, especially for women, a new study shows.

Duke University researchers studied 91 obese men and studying 134 obese women who have completed a sexual function questionnaire before enrolling in weight loss. The questionnaire covered nine areas: interest, desire, arousal, orgasm, satisfaction, behavior, relationship, masturbation and sexual problems.

"We discovered that there was a sexual satisfaction less than and less sexual quality of life for women that men, and overall sexual quality of life was small between the two groups," Dr. Truls Ostbye, a professor in the Department of community and family medicinesaid in a press release from Duke.

The researchers also scores of obese patients compared to the results of a group of cancer survivors and a group of general population. Scores of obese women have been less than scores of these two groups, while scores of obese men were among the scores of the survivors of cancer and the Group of the general population.

"Our results contribute to a growing number of research that indicates obesity is associated with a reduced sexual function and sexual quality of life in men and women", said Ostbye.

Physicians must be aware of this issue and invite obese patients to talk about, the researchers said.

"Obese patients welcome opportunity to discuss the effects of weight on the quality of life, including sex, quality of life,", said co-author of the study and clinical psychologist Ronette l. Kolotkin. "Because so many people obese experience discrimination and prejudice, they appreciate the providers that create a warm, supportive environment discuss these sensitive issues."

The study appears in the May / June issue of the Journal of sex and marital therapy.

More information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has resources on sexual health.

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