Being overweight can seriously hamper your sexual performance and libido level. The connection between weight loss and sex has been proven through a number of studies showing that a few extra pounds can have a negative affect on sexual pleasure and the normal desire for intercourse.

Media messages that being a number 8 or smaller size is required for feeling gorgeous and sexually attractive, don't help to build the self-esteem of obese and overweight persons. Psychological problems associated with being overweight also appear to have a negative effect on sexual desires. As many as a third of obese people have indicated serious negative effects on their sexual drive and performance.

The link between weight loss and sex indicates that the following physical conditions associated with being overweight can have a negative effect on your sex life:

• Resistance to insulin, which is often the start of diabetes 2. Too much sugar in your diet and the inability of the body to control the sugar levels can seriously hamper blood flow to the penis, which in turn leads to a lower libido and sexual performance. Since the arteries in the penis area get blocked, erections become more difficult, resulting in lower sexual desire levels. Likewise, women are also affected, mainly because of the tiredness that comes with resistance to insulin, but also because of the hampering of blood flow to the vaginal area.
• Weight loss and sex is connected through testosterone binding with the sex hormone globulin. The more body fat a person has, the more testosterone binds with this hormone, which has the negative result of lower sexual desires.
• High cholesterol levels, which often cause exhaustion and constant tiredness, may lead to an overall slump in the sexual drive.
• Difficulty in reaching orgasms and copulation due to too much fat and blood blockages.

Obesity also carries other risks and problems when people engage in sexual intercourse such as:

• Increased risk of heart attacks while having intercourse
• Lack of sexual enjoyment
• Shortness of breath
• Accidents and injuries

Society's perception of overweight people

The psychological effect of being overweight cannot be stressed enough. Society's negative perception of obese or overweight people sometimes leads to even more food cravings and lower sexual drives. Many obese people refrain from having sex altogether because of their fear of mockery by their partners; not wanting to get undressed; fear that they will not be found attractive, and more. Overweight people find it hard to feel sexy and being ashamed of the way they look, wear covering clothes and avoid intercourse.

Ideal body weight is synonym with being sexy

Losing weight and sex goes hand in hand as people report that feelings of being sexy, while shedding those extra pounds, lead to an increase in sexual desire and pleasure. They are not ashamed of their bodies or to get undressed and once again start to feel sexually attractive.

There is hope

Weight loss and sex can both be enjoyed simultaneously. Since people who are active for only 30 minutes a day, have increased blood flow and better regulation of testosterone, their sexual drives and pleasure increase at the same time.

Eating healthier and obtaining the correct amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, helps the body to function properly in all areas. This also leads to a better self-esteem and more energy, which connects weight loss and sex once again.

Problems with weight loss and sex can be eliminated by following the Herbalife ShapeWorks program. The Formula 1 Nutritional Shake Mix can be used to replace two of your daily meals while you still enjoy one balanced meal a day.

Use the protein snacks for lean body mass and to curb the cravings for snacks. Not only does the Formula 1 provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients, it also helps to increase your energy and metabolism.

The Formula 2 Multivitamin Complex restores the balance of vitamins in your body and helps to boost your immune system. Combine this with the Cell Activator to boost energy at cell level.

Unrestricted blood flow, enough oxygen in the blood, faster metabolism, increased energy, and lowering of the cholesterol levels in your body, will help to overcome problems with weight loss and sex.

If you would like to find out more about how Herbalife can aid you in your weight loss by developing a program for you which ideally suits the needs of your own body, why not Email Us info@shapelife.co.za

(The information on this page are the comments of an independent Herbalife distributor).