How weight loss can make you a better lover

How Too Much Weight Hampers Sex Drive

Recent studies report that up to 30% of obese people seeking help controlling their weight indicate problems with sex drive, desire, performance, or all three. Often, these problems can be traced to physical conditions that co-exist with obesity.

According to Dr Andrew McCollough, MD, director of sexual health and male infertility at NYU Medical Centre in New York, medical conditions such as high cholesterol and insulin resistance [an early indicator of type 2 diabetes] do have the ability to impact sexual performance, particularly in men.

Because both conditions can cause the tiny arteries in the penis to shut down, particularly when vessel-clogging fatty deposits begin to form impotence or erectile dysfunction is often the result.  A man who has problems having an erection is going to lose his desire for sex.

Men aren't alone with sex problems caused by poor blood flow. Research shows overweight women's sex drive and desire are affected by the same problem.

Susan Kellogg, PhD, director of sexual medicine at the Pelvic and Sexual Health Institute of Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia says that we are beginning to see that the width of the blood vessels leading to the in women are affected by the same kind of blockages that impact blood flow to the penis.  When this happens, says Kellogg, a woman's body is far less responsive, and a drop in desire is not far behind.

Complicating matters further for both sexes: The more body fat you have, the higher your levels of a natural chemical known as SHBG (short for sex hormone binding globulin). It's aptly named because it binds to the sex hormone testosterone. Doctors theorise that the more testosterone that is bound to SHBG, the less there is available to stimulate desire.

Simple Changes to Boost Your Sex Drive

What can you do to improve your physical conditioning for sex?  Experts say losing as few as 5 kilograms can often free up testosterone and almost immediately give a boost to your love life.

Making the same diet changes -- such as following a low-fat diet and eating lots of fruit and vegetables -- that help get blood sugar and cholesterol under control can also help turn your sex drive around -- even if you don't lose weight.

Further studies have noted that very often when patients start to take better care of themselves, they also report a substantial increase in their interest in sex -- Participation in a healthy lifestyle really helps, even if you don't lose the extra kilos.

Exercises designed not for weight loss but to increase circulation to the genitals can make a big difference, particularly for women.  "Any activity that increases blood flow to the large muscle groups in the thighs, buttocks, and pelvis -- such as yoga, brisk walking, or cycling for 20 minutes three times a week -- is also going to provide the genitals with better circulation. The result is more lubrication, better arousal, and better orgasmic function, ultimately a return of sexual desire.