The Link Between Low Libido and Weight

Most people know that being overweight can take a toll on your physical health and increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, and other serious issues. But a lot of people don’t know that being overweight can affect your sex life, particularly your libido, or desire for sex.

At Clarksburg Urgent Care in Clarksburg, Maryland, our team helps our patients improve their physical and sexual health through personalized weight-loss programs tailored to each patient’s unique goals for optimal wellness and a better quality of life. Here’s how being overweight could be affecting your sex life.

Weight and libido: Understanding the link

The link between weight and sexual wellness is complex, and the relationship between the two medical issues isn’t always obvious. Lots of factors can play a role, including those listed below.

Hormonal fluctuations

Body fat plays a surprising role in stabilizing hormone levels, including levels of sex hormones. Over time, hormone imbalances and fluctuations can lead to sexual dysfunction and even interfere with a couple’s ability to conceive.

Poor sleep

Being overweight increases your risk of sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea. Not surprisingly, when you don’t feel rested and energized, you’re less likely to feel like having sex. Plus, poor sleep habits can affect hormone levels, leading to lower libido and sexual dysfunction.

Physical stamina and mood

In addition to sleep problems, the simple act of carrying around extra pounds can tire you out, reducing energy levels and your desire to engage in any type of physical exertion, including sex. 

In turn, less physical activity can lead to more weight gain, along with poor mood and an increased risk of depression. Being less active also impairs circulation, leading to erectile dysfunction issues for men.

Self-confidence

Feeling comfortable with your body plays a role in how confident you feel having sex. If your weight is making you less confident about your appearance, your level of sexual desire may be lower. On the flip side, being more physically fit can help you feel more confident and improve your desire to be intimate.

Comorbidities

Finally, being overweight increases your risk of other medical problems (comorbidities) that can affect your libido. That includes medical issues like heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure, each of which takes a toll on sexual performance, satisfaction, and desire.

Prioritize your sexual health

For some, a lack of sexual desire is embarrassing and frustrating, while for others, sexual wellness takes a back seat to the other priorities and responsibilities in life. But sexual wellness and desire are critical parts of maintaining healthy intimate relationships, and if your weight is getting in the way, it’s time to take action.

Our team is skilled in crafting a personalized weight-management program based on your health history, lifestyle, and other factors, focusing on helping you overcome obstacles that may have interfered with weight loss in the past.

Your plan begins with a comprehensive exam that may include lab testing. Then, we work with you to develop a plan focused on healthy eating, increased activity, and managing other medical issues, like heart disease or diabetes, more effectively.

Depending on your health and goals, we may recommend nutritional supplements or medication to help manage your appetite or increase your metabolism so you burn fat more efficiently. Regular check-ins ensure your plan stays focused on your needs so you can achieve your goals successfully.

Bottom line: Libido depends on overall wellness

Sexual wellness is a vital part of your overall health and quality of life. To find out how a weight-management program can improve your sex life — and your physical and emotional health — request an appointment online or over the phone with our team at Clarksburg Urgent Care today.