Introduction
Body Mass Index (BMI) measures an individual’s weight in pounds divided by the square of their height in feet (meters). So, it is a value that is derived from both the size and mass of an individual. It says the measurement of weight in comparison to height. So, a person comes to know whether he is lean or obese, underweight or overweight, through this BMI index. A high BMI indicates an increased range of body fatness, while a low BMI indicates low body fat. BMI screening for weight standards can result in health problems, but it is not a diagnostic tool to identify the condition.
Is Body Mass Index Related to Sexual Function?
BMI is a measurement that estimates an individual’s body fat according to their height and weight. It also determines whether the individual is underweight, normal weight, or overweight. The BMI ranges between 18.5 and 24.9 is normal, and the range between 25.0 and 29.9 is considered overweight. Obese people have a BMI higher than 30.
The clinical findings validate that people with an increased BMI are more likely to face sexual concerns. So, it is clear that being overweight or obese can influence sexual function in both males and females.
- In Females: A clinical research conducted in 2020 says that overweight or obese women were not that active in sexual life and had more difficulties with sexual arousal, vaginal lubrication, pain, and orgasm than women of normal BMI and weight. In addition, other clinical research says that women with higher BMI were more likely to have sexual distress and sexual dissatisfaction.
- In Males: Obesity or higher BMI has been strongly linked to low testosterone range, impacting sexual arousal and desires. The clinical findings describe that erectile dysfunction is more prevalent in obese men.
How Does Body Mass Index Affect Sexual Function?
The body mass index, or body weight, affects the sexual drive in the following aspects.
Body Weight:
Body weight significantly impacts one’s sexual drive in varied ways. The sexual performance of a person is associated with the view one has of themselves. So, how one feels about themselves and their weight largely influences their sexual drive. Clinical studies have validated that being overweight or having an abnormal body mass index can deplete sexual performance. Libido (sex drive or desire for sex) can be impacted by body mass index, whether lean or obese, though obesity has a significant role.
Hormonal Changes:
A raised BMI value or increased body weight tends to raise the sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), whereas SHBG is the protein produced by the liver and generally binds firmly to three sex hormones in the blood in males and females. This effect causes a depletion in the sex hormone testosterone. The fall in the sex hormone typically and exceedingly decreases sexual desires and libido. Therefore, hormonal changes from increased body weight can influence sexual drive.
Body Image and Shape:
Clinical research shows that a woman's sexual drive can be associated with body image and overall confidence. The undesirable body shape and increased weight could make women feel underconfident and insecure. In contrast, fit women possessing the desired body image contribute to self-confidence. The lack of confidence in women with an undesirable body image can influence their sexual drive. Therefore, self-perception and self-confidence have something to do with sexual function and libido.
Obesity and Erectile Dysfunction:
Obesity or increased BMI in men has much to do with sexual desires. Clinical findings say that men with obesity face difficulties in the stimulation process for their sexual desires. This can be because obesity decreases testosterone (sex hormone) in men, resulting in reduced sex drive. At times, this could lead to erectile dysfunction and difficulty getting and maintaining an erection. Therefore, overweight or obese men with a significantly high BMI have an increased risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and certain heart diseases, which in turn increase the possibility of erectile dysfunction.
Restricted Sex Positions:
A high BMI indicates high body fat or a high physique. Physique plays a role in sexual function, according to certain medical experts. One's physique is responsible for how one acts out sexual fantasies. The obesity factor in men can influence sexual positions and movements by restricting them. So, restricted sex movements from an altered physique can halt or prevent sex drives.
Difficulty With Climax:
During sexual arousal of the genitals, the blood vessels of the genital organs in both males and females expand to supply enough blood to the penis or vulva. So, the veins carrying the deoxygenated blood from the genital organs constrict, so excess blood stays inside the genitalia.
This physiologic phenomenon called vasoconstriction makes the sex organs expand, making them erect (rigid). Consequently, the individual needs to have or attain an orgasm (sexual climax) for the sex organs to return to their original position and for the excess blood to return. When one does not attain orgasm, the genitals stay in their expanded, erect form for quite a long time.
Being overweight or obese could confine the associated blood vessels, facilitating the blood flow to the genital organs right from the heart. Therefore, males or females struggle to attain the climax without a good blood flow. So, increased BMI can influence the sexual drive by narrowing down the significant blood vessels engaged in sexual function.
Conclusion
BMI is simply a measure of body size or physique. It is a combination of the weight and height of a person. A high BMI and increased weight might indicate an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease. Subsequently, obesity or a high BMI may influence sexual function in distinct ways. In such cases, the BMI factor should be considered and treated accordingly. Physical activities and exercising regularly can enhance sexual function. Moreover, maintaining a healthy lifestyle paves the way for a healthy sexual experience. But, one should avoid getting obsessed with body size and image and becoming uncomfortable and underconfident.
