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During the month of February, love may be in the air for many people, but if you suffer from obesity, love may be the last thing on your mind. With so much talk centered on the serious health issues linked to obesity, the sex life is often overlooked. The fact of the matter is; obesity can affect your love life in several different ways.
Plunging Testosterone Levels
Obesity tends to affect men and women about the same in most areas, but when it comes to love life, the guys may have it worse. The male hormone testosterone is responsible for things like the development of muscles and male reproductive organs, sperm production and libido. Testosterone levels reach their peak during early adulthood, and then gradually diminish in middle age after several years of remaining stable. Even then, it only drops an average of 1 percent each year, so the difference isn’t noticeable for quite some time.
With obese males, testosterone levels can drop dramatically. According to an article in Harvard Health Publications, increases in waist circumference are a strong predictor of testosterone deficiency. Citing a 2008 study, the article states that a four-inch jump in waist circumference increased a man’s likelihood of having low testosterone levels by 75 percent, while 10 years of normal aging only increased the odds by 36 percent.
Another side effect of low testosterone and of obesity itself is erectile dysfunction. In another Harvard study, men with a waist size of 42-inches had double the risk of developing erectile dysfunction as a man with a 32-inch waist.
Depression and Other Psychological issues
Depression, low self-esteem and poor body image are three issues that plague both men and women with obesity. They are also issues that can seriously affect sex drive and your love life, as a whole. If the recipe for a healthy sex life is being confident and expressing yourself openly, it is virtually impossible when you’re feeling depressed or inadequate.
Libido-Busting Medications
Obese men and women of varying ages are prescribed medications for health issues that have resulted from their obesity. Prescription medication for diabetes, heart disease, sleep apnea, hypertension or depression is the norm for many obese patients, and many of these medications have a libido-lowering effect. They may work to ease the symptoms of the particular health problem, but most won’t leave you feeling amorous.
Turning the Tables with Weight Loss Surgery
Weight loss procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric banding and lap-band have helped many obese patients lose up to 50 percent of their body weight. Along with the weight loss comes a reduction or even elimination of many of the health issues that were caused by obesity. With a smaller waistline, improved blood flow, fewer medications and enhanced self-confidence, bariatric surgery can rescue that long lost libido and get you smiling again.
Contact the New York Bariatric Group to talk with one of their weight loss experts to explore the many bariatric surgery options available. You can also choose to register for a free seminar to learn more about our procedures by clicking here.
