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The relation between sexuality and obesity: the role of psychological factors in a sample of obese men undergoing bariatric surgery

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Abstract

Obesity produces a significant deterioration in general and sexual health. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the impact of obesity on sexuality, illustrating the psychological constructs that may play a significant role in determining sexual functioning and satisfaction. During the psychological assessment for bariatric surgery eligibility, 171 obese men filled out a socio-demographic questionnaire, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the 20 Item-Toronto Alexithymia Scale, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Body Uneasiness Test, and the Obesity-related Disability test. A series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses highlighted how obese men sexual desire (F(11,159) = 10.128, p < 0.001), erectile function (F(10,160) = 63.578, p < 0.001), orgasmic function (F(10,160) = 33.967, p < 0.001), intercourse satisfaction (F(7,163) = 159.752, p < 0.001), and general satisfaction (F(10,160) = 18.707, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with other IIEF sexual domains, difficulties in identifying feelings, psychopathological symptoms (such as depression and paranoid ideation), body image, and quality of life. Findings are useful for deepening understanding of obese male sexual response, and more generally, for analyzing the complex and multivariate relation between obesity and sexuality, supporting the need of a multidisciplinary approach to obesity care that includes professionals with specific training in sexology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy

    Filippo Maria Nimbi, Campedelli Virginia, Di Monte Cinzia & Di Trani Michela

  2. Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy

    Silecchia Gianfranco & Paone Emanuela

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  1. Filippo Maria Nimbi
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  2. Campedelli Virginia
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Correspondence to Filippo Maria Nimbi.

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Nimbi, F.M., Virginia, C., Cinzia, D.M. et al. The relation between sexuality and obesity: the role of psychological factors in a sample of obese men undergoing bariatric surgery. Int J Impot Res 34, 203–214 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41443-020-00388-2

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