Obesity and sexual quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
Reduced sexual quality of life is a frequently reported yet rarely studied consequence of obesity. The objectives of this study were to 1) examine the prevalence of sexual quality-of-life difficulties in obese individuals and 2) investigate the association between sexual quality of life and BMI class, sex, and obesity treatment-seeking status.


METHODS
Subjects consisted of 1) 500 participants in an intensive residential program for weight loss and lifestyle modification (BMI = 41.3 kg/m2), 2) 372 patients evaluated for gastric bypass surgery (BMI = 47.1 kg/m2), and 3) 286 obese control subjects not seeking weight loss treatment (BMI = 43.6 kg/m2). Participants completed the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite, a measure of weight-related quality of life. Responses to the four Sexual Life items (assessing enjoyment, desire, performance, and avoidance) were analyzed by BMI, sex, and group.


RESULTS
Higher BMI was associated with greater impairments in sexual quality of life. Obese women reported more impairment in sexual quality of life than obese men for three of four items. Gastric bypass surgery candidates reported more impairment in sexual quality of life than residential patients and controls for most items. In general, residential patients reported levels of impairment greater than or equal to controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Obesity is associated with lack of enjoyment of sexual activity, lack of sexual desire, difficulties with sexual performance, and avoidance of sexual encounters. Sexual quality of life is most impaired for women, individuals with Class III obesity, and patients seeking gastric bypass surgery.
Kolotkin
Ronette L
RL
Obesity and Quality of Life Consulting; 1004 Norwood Avenue, Durham, NC 27707, USA. rkolotkin@qualityoflifeconsulting.com
Binks
Martin
M
Crosby
Ross D
RD
Østbye
Truls
T
Gress
Richard E
RE
Adams
Ted D
TD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D015390:Gastric Bypass; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D018579:Patient Selection; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires