Feb 27 β€’ 12:00 UTC πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA Fox News

Weight-loss medications could impact sexual health in unexpected ways

Recent research indicates that popular weight-loss medications can significantly influence sexual health, with mixed effects reported among users.

Recent studies have highlighted the multifaceted impact of weight-loss medications, particularly GLP-1 drugs, on sexual health. In men suffering from obesity and overweight issues, these medications have been shown to elevate total testosterone levels, leading to improvements in erectile function as documented in a 2025 review by the National Institutes of Health. This positive correlation has been further supported by multiple reviews, which collectively indicate noticeable enhancements in erectile dysfunction among male users of these drugs.

However, the findings are not uniformly positive. A study focused on female users published in Sage Journals suggests that the hormonal changes instigated by these medications may reduce sexual drive in women, raising concerns about their overall sexual well-being. In a nationally representative survey conducted by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University, a significant proportion of GLP-1 users reported noticeable changes in their sexual lives, indicating a complex spectrum of responses. While 52% acknowledged an impact on their sex lives, the effects varied greatly, with 18% noting an increase in sexual desire and 16% reporting a decline.

This nuanced understanding of weight-loss medications underscores the need for further research to balance the therapeutic benefits of these drugs in managing obesity against possible negative outcomes for sexual health. As public interest in these treatments grows, awareness and dialogue around their potential side effects, particularly in the realm of sexual health, become increasingly vital for healthcare providers and patients alike.

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