All About HEALTH: Post #5: Obesity and Sexual Health: Primary Research Article

Last week we have looked at the relationship between obesity and sexual health.  Today, I will explore this topic even further and provide a primary research article that helps you to better understand the threat of being obese.

The aim of the study conducted was to investigate the effect of high-fat diet-induced obesity on male reproductive organs.  Male rats were randomly assigned into two groups.  The first was fed a high-fat diet, and the second received a standard diet.  After 15, 30, and 45 weeks, they were evaluated by reproductive organ weights and sperm counts.  Sexual behaviour of these rats was also evaluated, as well as fertility after natural mating.

It was found that total caloric consumption between the groups was similar at 15^th week, but the group with high-fat diet had an elevated caloric consumption by week 30 and 45.  Body weight and fat deposits increased significantly for both groups, but were higher in the obese group.

Surprisingly, reproductive organ weights did not show any differences between the two groups.  Sexual behaviour was not altered by the diet, and High-fat diet group’s fertility after natural mating was also similar to standard diet group.  However, there was a significant difference between the two groups.  Results obtained from assessing the sperm quality indicated that the percentages of sperm with progressive movement was significantly diminished and the percentage of sperm without progressive movement was elevated in the high-fat diet group compared to standard diet group.

It is believed that obesity can affect sperm quality by reducing sperm motility (movement), without affecting other parameters.  The low sperm quality, as a result, caused a reduction in fertility potential, proving that obesity may lead to male fertility impairment. 

As you can see, obesity can affect different aspect of one’s life.  Sex life is an important part of our lives that can be affected.  One must keep in mind that his/her quality of life will be severely damaged if one is obese.  Obesity is quickly becoming a worldwide epidemic that affects everyone, from children to adults.  It is important to alert the public of the danger of being obese, to maintain a healthy society.

Reference

1. Fernandez, C. B., Bellentani, F. F., Fernandes, G. A., Perobelli, J. E., Favareto, A. A., Nascimento, A. F., & ... Kempinas, W. G. (2011). Diet-induced obesity in rats leads to a decrease in sperm motility. Reproductive Biology & Endocrinology, 9(1), 32-41. doi:10.1186/1477-7827-9-32

All About HEALTH: Post #4: Obesity and Sexual Health

We have already looked at some of the benefits of losing weight, and also some of the health risks of obesity. Today, we will take a closer look at the relationship between obesity and sexual health. As you may already know, obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater. BMI is calculated from a person’s weight and height, and it is an indicator of body fatness and weight categories that may lead to health problems. Obesity can harm not only health and longevity, but also your sex life.
According to a study conducted in 2006, higher BMI was associated with greater impairments in sexual quality of life (Kolotkin, 2006). Obesity, according to this study, is associated with lack of enjoyment of sexual activity, lack of sexual desire, difficulties with sexual performance, and avoidance of sexual encounters. It is also interesting to note that sexual quality of life is most impaired for women who are obese.
Another interesting study, conducted by Nathalie Bajos of France’s National Institute for Health and Medical Research, discovered that obese women had four times as many unplanned pregnancies as normal weight women, even though they had sex less often. Obese women under 30 were also less likely to seek contraceptive advice or use oral contraceptives (Bajos, 2010).
This study also asserted that obese men were 70% more likely than normal weight men to have had more than one sexual partner. These men were also 2.5 times more likely to suffer from erectile dysfunction. They also had a higher chance of having a sexually transmitted disease.
I believe that these phenomena are linked with social pressure, low self-esteem and concerns about body image. However, I was stunned when I learned that obesity is also linked with mental health. According to the same study, obese person was less likely to view sex as important for their personal life balance.
As you can see, obesity is correlated with sexual health, as well as mental and physical. It should be noted that to live a fulfilling life, fighting against obesity is significant!

                                                      This image can be found here



Reference:
1. "Obesity - Abstract of article: Obesity and Sexual Quality of Life[ast]." Nature Publishing Group : science journals, jobs, and information. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2011. 


2. "Sexuality and obesity, a gender perspective: results from French national random probability survey of sexual behaviours -- Bajos et al. 340 -- bmj.com ." bmj.com . N.p., n.d. Web. 11 July 2011.