Research from Duke University indicates that up to 30% of obese people seeking help controlling their weight indicate problems with sex drive, sexual desire, sexual performance, or all three.
We know that medical conditions such as high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes have the ability to impact sexual performance, which then may psychologically impact sexual desire. In men, both conditions can cause the tiny arteries in the penis to clog with fatty deposits, which can result in erectile dysfunction and/or impotence.
And overweight women are being affected as well! Similar blockages in the blood vessels leading to the clitoris are causing women's bodies to be less sexually responsive, which also may lead to a decrease in sexual desire.
Worse yet for the sex drive, the higher the body fat percentage, the higher the levels in the body of SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin). SHBG binds to the sex hormone testosterone, effectively reducing the testosterone available in the body. And testosterone is responsible for our sex drive, in both men AND women.
Of course, the impact of our weight upon our body image and our self-esteem is also a huge one when it comes to our sex life. If we don't feel attractive, we certainly tend to isolate and withdraw and not allow others into our personal/sexual space, even if THEY find us appealing.
The good news though, is that as we lose weight, our improving sex drive serves to help us keep the weight off, for a number of good reasons.
1. On average, you can burn up to 200 calories or more during a half hour lovemaking session!
2. If we have a healthy sex life, we are less frustrated and we generally eat less when we are not frustrated.
3. Sex is a mood enhancer. The more sex, the more endorphins (feel good hormone) are released and the better we feel. And again, we may not need to eat to "fill up" that anxiety or depression.
4. Sexual activity reduces the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) in our bodies. Cortisol raises our blood pressure, lowers our immune system and causes us to store fat in our bodies. And cortisol also contributes to the aging process, so sex can definitely keep us younger!
5. Sexual activity tends to improve our quality of sleep, which is also connected to weight loss.
6. The more activities that increase the blood flow to our large muscle groups (thighs, buttocks, pelvis), the better circulation we will have to the genitals. This will ultimately lead to improved arousal and orgasm and increasing sexual desire. There's a synergistic effect here, almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
And, as an extra added bonus for men, I was told the following by Dr. Neil Cannon, a well-respected Sex Therapist in Denver: for every 30 pounds a man loses, his penis effectively gains an inch of length!
So there you have it, the long and the short of it! Hopefully this has given you some extra incentive to get yourself in shape or to continue your commitment to staying in shape. My goal is to inspire you, even if just a little bit. Slow and steady does win the race.
I wish you the best and look forward to your comments to this information. And as always, I appreciate you forwarding this post to anyone that you believe would benefit from it.
Thank you so much,
Dr. Adam Sheck
Dr. Adam Sheck, "The Passion Doctor" is a Clinical Psychologist
and Couples Counselor and creator of the Passion 101 Website and Blog.
In it you will find ideas and suggestions to help you have more passion,
more romance, more sensuality, and more intimacy in your relationship.
Free Special Report: "20 Rituals For Romance!" at http://www.passion101.com
What's your most important question about Relationships, Romance, Intimacy or Sexuality? Ask Dr. Sheck at http://www.askadamnow.com and find out how he answers these questions at his free monthly Teleseminars.
Free Special Report: "20 Rituals For Romance!" at http://www.passion101.com
What's your most important question about Relationships, Romance, Intimacy or Sexuality? Ask Dr. Sheck at http://www.askadamnow.com and find out how he answers these questions at his free monthly Teleseminars.
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