Overweight people have twice the risk of erectile dysfunction, and obese subjects are 25 times more likely to suffer sexual problems than those of normal weight, as announced by the Institute of Sexual Medicine. The data is worrying considering that, according to the latest European Health Survey 2009, some six million Spaniards over 18 years of age (17 percent) have obesity problems , almost two percent more than in 2008; and 36.6 percent overweight, one percent more than the previous year.
"We have multiple evidences that patients who suffer from weight problems develop considerable difficulties that affect not only communication with their partners, regarding feelings and needs, but also a greater or lesser satisfaction after sexual intercourse" , explained Dr. Mariano Rosselló, director of the Center for Urology, Andrology and Sexual Health.
The expert points out that being overweight affects self-esteem and sexual desire, but it does so differently in men and women, so that men are more likely to suffer from sexual impotence and women from lack of desire, inhibition of the libido.
The data have been released on the occasion of the European Week of Sexual Health , which is celebrated from February 8 to 14.
