Are Sexual Dissatisfaction and Sexual Abuse Associated with Obesity? A Population‐Based Study

Abstract

ADOLFSSON, BIRGITTA, STIG ELOFSSON, STEPHAN RÖ SSNER, AND ANNA-LENA UNDÉ N. Are sexual dissatisfaction and sexual abuse associated with obesity? A population-based study. Obes Res. 2004;12:1702-1709. Objective: To investigate whether there is any association between obesity and sexual satisfaction and sexual abuse in a normal population. Research Methods and Procedures:A representative sample of 2810 subjects from a population study was interviewed about sexual satisfaction, sexual abuse, and life satisfaction. The answers from normal weight, overweight, and obese participants were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: Data were presented separately for two age groups, 18 to 49 and 50 to 74 years, and gender. The older group of obese men reported a greater decrease of sexual desire compared with 5 years prior than normal weight men [odds ratios (OR), 2.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4 to 4.3]. The older group of overweight men reported involuntary participation in sexual activities more often than normal weight men (OR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.8). Although older overweight and obese women were diagnosed with a lingering disease (defined as Ͼ1 month) more often than normal weight women (overweight: OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; obese: OR, 4.45; 95% CI, 1.7 to 11.5), there was no difference between BMI groups in satisfaction with physical health. Discussion: Overweight and obese groups seem to be heterogeneous with respect to sexual satisfaction and experiences of sexual abuse. No significant differences were detected between BMI groups, which does not exclude the possibility of significant differences between BMI groups among patients seeking medical attention.

Sexual function in obese women: impact of lower urinary tract dysfunction

“…25 The findings of this case-control study also substantiate the notion that obese women with lower urinary tract dysfunction experience a higher degree of sexual dysfunction attributed to their bladder symptoms when compared to normal weight controls.…”

Sexual dysfunction in obese and overweight women

“…Clinical trial data suggest an ambiguous association between obesity and sexual satisfaction in young women. 18,19 Although some studies indicate that women with normal weight may be more sexually active than obese and overweight women, other studies have stated that the contrary may be true. 13 However, weight reduction seems to improve sexual function in young obese women.…”

“…Adolfsson et al 18 conducted a study on a Swedish population of 840 younger women (18-49 years), of whom 18% were overweight and 6% were obese, and 426 older women (50-74 years), of whom 32% were overweight and 11% were obese. There was no difference in terms of sexual life satisfaction between the obese and normal-weight women in both age groups.…”

“…However, in the younger age group there was a tendency toward lower sexual satisfaction and sexual desire associated with higher weights. 18 Kolotkin et al 19 examined the effect of weight loss on quality of life among 37 men and women. Among women, there was no association between weight changes and changes in sexual life.…”

Influence of weight reduction by sibutramine on female sexual function

“…In young women, clinical trial data suggest an ambiguous association between obesity and sexual satisfaction. [17][18][19] However, weight reduction seems to improve sexual function in obese women. 20,21 Of several mechanisms that could contribute to an overall change in sexual function after weight reduction in obese young women, alteration of the sex hormones estrogen and androgen and improvement in body image are the most important.…”