A person’s weight can have a big effect on sexual health, especially for men. Many men who are overweight or obese find that their sexual performance suffers due to a low sex drive, or problems with getting or maintaining an erection.
This article explains how weight affects sexual health and what can be done to help, including losing weight or using medicines like Wegovy.
The impact of weight gain on libido and erectile function
Can being overweight cause erectile dysfunction? In a word, yes. Being overweight, especially obese, is known to increase the chances of having problems like erectile dysfunction (ED). Over 50% of men aged 40 to 70 experience some level of ED, and being obese makes it even more likely [1].
Obesity is linked to serious health conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes, which also affect sexual function [2]. Obesity can damage blood vessels, cause inflammation in the body [3], and make your testosterone levels drop, which can lead to a lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction. In fact, gaining weight often leads to a loss of sex drive for these reasons [4].
How weight loss can help
Does losing weight increase sex drive? Losing weight can make a big difference to sexual health. Research shows that even a modest weight loss, about 10% of your body weight in two months, can improve erectile function [4].
When men lose weight, their testosterone levels often rise, which helps improve their sex drive. Losing weight also improves heart health, which boosts blood flow to the penis, making erections easier. In fact, men who lost at least 10% of their body weight over two years saw noticeable improvements in their erections [1].
Weight loss and sexual health
Losing weight can improve overall health, which may positively impact sexual function. For those with overweight or obesity, weight loss injections – such as Wegovy, Saxenda, and Mounjaro, are now available and can help reduce appetite and support weight loss.
As a person’s weight decreases, improvements in heart health and testosterone levels can benefit sexual function, particularly in men. If you’re considering a weight loss medication, it’s essential to discuss any potential side effects with a doctor. By supporting weight loss, these medications may contribute to a healthier sex life [3].
Other treatments for weight-related sexual dysfunction
Losing weight isn’t the only way to improve sexual health. Here are a few other options:
- Lifestyle changes: Eating healthier, getting more exercise, and stopping smoking can all help improve sexual health. The HSE recommends losing weight to help with ED [4].
- ED medications: Medicines like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) help with ED by increasing blood flow to the penis
- Mental health support: Talking to a counsellor or therapist can be helpful, especially if stress, anxiety, or depression are making the problem worse.
- Hormone therapy: Some men with low testosterone may benefit from hormone therapy, which can improve both sex drive and erectile function [2].
When to seek medical advice
If you are struggling with ED or a drop in your sex drive, it’s important to speak to a doctor. Weight loss and lifestyle changes may help, but there could be other health issues involved, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
The HSE recommends seeing a GP if erection problems continue to happen, as this could be a sign of a more serious condition. A doctor can run tests and offer treatment options, which may include medication or lifestyle advice [4].
How HealthHero can support you
We offer a range of services for men’s sexual health, including online GP consultations and weight management advice. Whether you’re worried about ED or looking for help with losing weight, our team is ready to help you.
Book an appointment with a GP today if you’re concerned about your sexual health. It’s time to take control and get the help you need.
Being overweight or obese can have a big impact on sexual health, leading to ED and low sex drive. Losing weight, either through lifestyle changes or treatments like Wegovy, can help improve these issues. If you’re facing these problems, don’t hesitate to get medical advice.
