Obesity and Sexual Functioning.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: Sexual functioning is an important, yet often overlooked, aspect of quality of life for many individuals with obesity.

RECENT FINDINGS: With the growing recognition of obesity as a significant, international public health issue, a developing body of research has investigated the relationship between obesity and sexual functioning. Several studies have found that obesity is associated with impairments in sexual functioning. The mechanisms of this relationship, whether physiological, psychosocial, or a combination of the two, are yet to be fully elucidated. Other studies have suggested that weight loss, whether induced by bariatric surgery or less intensive interventions, is associated with significant and clinically meaningful change in sexual functioning and relevant reproductive hormones. This chapter reviews the research in these areas and provides recommendations for future research on these relationships.