The Relationship Between Obesity and Sexual Function in Iranian Women

Abstract

Background: Obesity is a chronic disease and threatening factors of public health. Obese people have negative body image, and low self-confidence can lead to sexual dysfunction. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity and sexual function in women referred to health centers of Birjand in Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 126 married women who were selected via a multi-stage sampling method from Birjand Health centers in 2014. The participants were categorized into three groups according to BMI (normal (BMI: 18.5 - 24.9), overweight (BMI: 25 - 29.9), and obese (BMI ≥ 30)). Then, demographic and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires were completed in the groups by the self-administrative method. For data analysis, STATA version 14.1 software was used in this study. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics tests, and multiple linear regression models. The significance level was considered 0.05. Results: The study showed a significant difference between the three groups in total score of sexual function (P < 0.001). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed in desire, arousal lubrication, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction scores between the groups (P < 0.001). The results of the regression model showed that the sexual function score of obese people was lower by 15.87 units than normal people. Moreover, the sexual function score of overweight people was 4.67 units lower than normal people. Also, the variables of age, salary, duration of marriage, and the age at first pregnancy are effective factors in female sexual function (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Obesity can affect female sexual function. Therefore, efforts to promote sexual function in obese women are considered as one of the most important topics in women’s health care. This requires more attention to identifying various aspects of sexual life and finding effective ways to promote and improve these persons’ sexual function.

Obesity and sexual dysfunction in women

“…In this study we found that the mean age of the studied cases was 34.16 (±5.75 SD) with range (26-48), among the studied cases there were 36 (40%) urban residents and 54 (60%) rural residents, and all the studied cases were with high education. Adolfsson et al (9) reported that obese women aged 18-49 years old experienced the greatest decrease in sexual desire, compared to a normal weight group. Although there were no differences in sexual dysfunction (lack of sexual desire, arousal problems, and painful intercourse) observed among overweight, obese and normal-weight women, Bajos et al (10) showed a significant trend towards decreasing sexual desire with increasing BMI.…”

Saudi Female Sexual Dysfunction After Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Notably, obese females exhibit a higher prevalence of FSD, ranging from 50% to 86%, and this is correlated with a higher body mass index (BMI), which significantly impacts their sexual quality of life [ 14 ]. Despite the importance of promoting sexual function in obese females with sexual dysfunction, which is a crucial aspect of females' healthcare [ 15 ], there is limited evidence regarding the specific impact of weight loss on improving sexual function, particularly within the Arab world.…”

Impact of weight loss on sexual and psychological functions and quality of life in females with sexual dysfunction: A forgotten avenue

“…Although sexual function promotion in obese women having sexual dysfunction represents a very important topic in women’s health care ( Karimi et al, 2020 ), there is very little evidence on the influence of weight loss only on sexual function improvement, particularly in the Arab world. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of a weight loss program on sexual function, psychological health, and quality of life among a sample of obese Egyptian married women having sexual dysfunction.…”