Association of Weight Loss With Improved Sexual Function in Females

• Published in: Cureus
• Main Authors: Syed, Asghar Hussain, Chandnani, Aakash, Khan, Asim, Bhutto, Naila S, Tahir, Hamza, Iqbal, Abbas, Aruwani, Suraj K, Naz, Sidra, Bachani, Parkash
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Cureus 2021
• Subjects: Endocrinology/Diabetes/Metabolism; The Pointers
• Online Access: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8425155/; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/34522491; https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.16849

Introduction The prevalence of obesity in developing countries, including Pakistan, has increased several fold in recent times. Obesity appears to negatively affect sexual functioning, hence affecting the quality of life. Its impact on sexual function is understudied. In this study, we will determine the impact of weight loss in improving sexual function in the local setting. Methods This prospective study was conducted in the endocrinology unit of a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan from February 2019 to January 2021. After taking informed consent, 300 married female participants were enrolled in the study. The questionnaire was composed using the pointers from the female sexual function index (FSFI). The privacy of the participants was fully ensured. After the survey, participants were counseled on losing weight via various techniques. Participants were followed up on day 30, day 60, and finally on day 90. On day 90, the FSFI questionnaire was repeated to assess sexual function. Weight loss was measured at the end of day 90. Result A total of 208 participants completed the study. Significant improvement in FSFI score was seen in participants with weight loss between 2% and 5% of their initial body weight (24.01 ± 2.2 vs. 26.07 ± 2.6; p-value: <0.0001). Similarly, a significant improvement in FSFI score was seen in participants with weight loss of more than 5% (24.17 ± 2.2 vs. 27.01 ± 2.6; p-value: <0.0001). Conclusion In conclusion, weight loss is associated with improved sexual function in females. While discussing complications of obesity, impact on sexual function should also be discussed.