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15 November 2004
Sex Life Not So Lively For Obese 
Obese people report sexual problems such as lack of desire, lack of enjoyment, avoiding sex and performance difficulty at a much higher rate than people of normal weight - in some cases being 25 times more likely to report problems, according to a Duke University Medical Center study. Overall, women experienced more difficulties than men among both weight groups, but the gender differences were small compared to the disparity between the obese and normal weight study populations. "Our study shows a striking difference in sexual quality of life between obese and normal weight people. Sexual quality of life is an important issue for everyone, and with the growing prevalence of obesity in this country, increasing numbers of people will likely be affected," said study co-investigator Martin Binks, presenting the results at the annual meeting of The North American Association for the Study of Obesity. The most significant differences were between normal weight people and obese people seeking treatment at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. Only 2 percent of the normal weight group reported sometimes, usually or always feeling no desire for sex, compared to 50 percent of obese treatment seekers. Additionally, 42 percent said they sometimes, usually or always had sexual function problems and 41 percent said they avoided sex; the responses were 1.8 percent and 2.5 percent, respectively, in the normal weight group. Co-investigator Ronette Kolotkin said losing weight and increasing physical activity can help restore sexual quality of life for people with obesity-related problems. "My patients tell me that losing a little weight and getting fit makes them feel 10 to 20 years younger in terms of their sexual quality of life," she said.
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