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Sexual functioning and obesity: a review.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Kolotkin, RL; Zunker, C; Østbye, T
Published in: Obesity (Silver Spring)
December 2012

We review the literature on the relationship between obesity and sexual functioning. Eleven population-based studies, 20 cross-sectional non-population-based studies, and 16 weight loss studies are reviewed. The consistency of findings suggests that the relationship between obesity and reduced sexual functioning is robust, despite diverse methods, instruments, and settings. In most population-based studies, erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common among obese men than among men of recommended weight. Studies of patients in clinical settings often include individuals with higher degrees of obesity, with most studies showing a relationship between obesity and lower levels of sexual functioning, especially ED. The few studies that include both genders generally report more problems among women. Most studies of patients with comorbidities associated with obesity also find an association between obesity and reduced sexual functioning. Most weight loss studies demonstrate improvement in sexual functioning concurrent with weight reduction despite varying study designs, weight loss methods, and follow-up periods. We recommend that future studies (i) investigate differences and similarities between men and women with respect to obesity and sexual functioning, (ii) use instruments that go beyond the assessment of sexual dysfunction to include additional concepts such as sexual satisfaction, interest, and arousal and, (iii) assess how and the degree to which obese individuals are affected by sexual difficulties. Given the high prevalence of obesity and the inverse association between body mass and sexual functioning, we also recommend that sexual functioning should be more fully addressed by clinicians, both in general practice and in weight loss programs.

Duke Scholars

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Published In

Obesity (Silver Spring)

DOI

EISSN

1930-739X

Publication Date

December 2012

Volume

20

Issue

12

Start / End Page

2325 / 2333

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Reduction Programs
  • Weight Loss
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Risk Factors
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Obesity
  • Male
  • Humans
 

Citation

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Kolotkin, R. L., Zunker, C., & Østbye, T. (2012). Sexual functioning and obesity: a review. Obesity (Silver Spring), 20(12), 2325–2333. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2012.104
Kolotkin, Ronette L., Christie Zunker, and Truls Østbye. “Sexual functioning and obesity: a review.Obesity (Silver Spring) 20, no. 12 (December 2012): 2325–33. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2012.104.
Kolotkin RL, Zunker C, Østbye T. Sexual functioning and obesity: a review. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Dec;20(12):2325–33.
Kolotkin, Ronette L., et al. “Sexual functioning and obesity: a review.Obesity (Silver Spring), vol. 20, no. 12, Dec. 2012, pp. 2325–33. Pubmed, doi:10.1038/oby.2012.104.
Kolotkin RL, Zunker C, Østbye T. Sexual functioning and obesity: a review. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Dec;20(12):2325–2333.
Journal cover image

Published In

Obesity (Silver Spring)

DOI

EISSN

1930-739X

Publication Date

December 2012

Volume

20

Issue

12

Start / End Page

2325 / 2333

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Weight Reduction Programs
  • Weight Loss
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological
  • Risk Factors
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Quality of Life
  • Personal Satisfaction
  • Obesity
  • Male
  • Humans