What does a healthy sex drive look like? 

This part of sexual health is often misunderstood. Some may wonder if their drive is ‘too high’ or ‘too low’ or somehow not right at all. However, it’s not always clear-cut, as sexual areas that relate to libido are broad and dependent on several factors, such as overall health, mental health, lifestyle, and habits. 

In this article, we break down what sex drive really is, what types, how weight loss makes a difference, and alternative solutions for those dealing with low libido.

The Truth Behind Weight Loss and Sex Drive 

Sex Drive Meaning

Your sex drive is defined by your interest in sexual activity. This may include sexual thoughts and fantasies, desire for physical intimacy, interest in foreplay or solo play. A man’s and a woman’s libido are influenced by several things: lifestyle, biology, psychology, and relationships. 

When it comes to weight loss, there’s a lot that it can do for you aside from fitting into smaller clothes. That’s why we decided to break it down and expose the benefits that weight loss has on sex drive. So, whether you’re looking to increase libido or improve overall health, keep reading. 

What Are the Two Types of Sex Drive? 

Sexual desire can be separated into two categories: responsive desire (slow build-up) and spontaneous desire (the spark). Getting to know which type you experience helps improve both intimacy and fine-tune your libido to match your partner’s. 

Spontaneous Desire

As you see in today’s pop culture Netflix series and movies, that instantaneous, sudden lust or craving for sex comes out of nowhere. Triggers would include acting out a sexual fantasy, a sudden urge or arousal from external influences, or seeing someone attractive. 

Responsive Desire

The responsive drive develops after mental and physical stimulation begins, rather than out of the blue. Physical desire or an emotional connection leads up to the act of sexual intercourse; all acts are intentional. This is the point where you go from neutral feelings to responding to any physical acts.

According to sex and relationship therapist Elizabeth Perri, one type of sex drive is no more normal than the other, most people switch types at various points in their lives. As long as you’re able to recognise your own and your partner’s style, you can use that to help match arousal or sync desires. 

Dealing with ‘Extra’ Weight and Low Libido

For the longest time, society has always connected body shape and weight with undesirable traits or conditions. However, there’s some truth to that. Anything that influences or impacts the body physically and mentally, whether it’s weight gain or weight loss, is usually the biggest tell.

Low libido is typically a common issue with weight gain, in addition to other physical health issues, self-confidence, and quality of relationships. These factors are interconnected, resulting from things like hormones, stress, poor sleep quality, unhealthy lifestyle, medical conditions, or ageing. 

So, how much weight is too much weight? It really depends on you and your motivation. Think: Is it medically related? Is it postpartum related? Is it self-esteem or low libido? Answering these questions will give you an idea of what changes you need to make when losing weight and improving your sex drive. 

Martin Blinks, a clinical psychologist and director of behavioural health, says, “I’ve noted that very often when patients start to take better care of themselves, they also report a substantial increase in their interest in sex. I think participation in a healthy lifestyle really helps, even if you don’t lose the extra pounds.”

Some couples have even found sexy ways to lose weight through various positions, and some even consider these positions to be the top calorie-burning sex moves.

Benefits 

The positive impact far outweighs the struggle to get that diet and routine right. It’s not just about improving physical health, but psychological well-being, too. 

While it takes a consistent routine and isn’t a quick fix, here are some of the benefits:

• Improved sexual arousal

• Better sexual satisfaction

• Boosted stamina

• Improved confidence

• Boost in testosterone for men

• Increased lubrication in women

What Increases Sex Drive?

Female sex drive

Most women are led to believe that something isn’t right with them if their sexual desires don’t align with those portrayed in pop culture and its messages.

Common influences on female libido: 

• Hormone changes that involve oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. 
• Lifestyle and environment: workload, stress, mental and physical health.
• Body image confidence.
• Quality of relationship and emotional security.
• Medical conditions that affect comfort during sex. 

On top of lifestyle adjustments, you can also look at sex boosters.

Sex drive enhancers for women

Libido boosters or sex enhancers for women are all-natural supplements that help improve sexual arousal.  From capsules to powders, enhancers contain ingredients like Ginseng, Maca Root, Ashwagandha, Fenugreek, and more.  

Find your next sex enhancer here

Male sex drive

No matter whether a male is at his fittest or even his biggest, the “large amounts of testosterone myth” has earned a rep. 

Common influences on male libido: 

• Hormone fluctuations: both high and low testosterone can make or break a man’s libido.
• Physical health and medications, such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and other medical conditions, can contribute.
• Mental health: Depression, burnout, stress, and anxiety contribute to a lower sex drive.
• Lifestyle: Poor quality of sleep, alcohol, and work environment. 

Sex drive booster for men

Similar to female libido enhancers, sex boosters for men are designed to improve blood flow and stamina thanks to amino acids and herbal extracts to maintain testosterone levels, erectile function, and overall sperm health.

Find the right libido booster here

Final Thoughts

Practical steps to increasing the male and female sex drive include getting enough sleep, being physically active, eating a balanced diet, limiting alcohol and nicotine consumption, communicating openly, and getting regular check-ups. And remember, something as simple as weight loss (and just regular activity) can make a huge difference to your well-being, both physically and mentally. 

From aphrodisiacs and lifestyle adjustments to adding enhancers, if you’re thinking about adding natural supplements to your daily routine, check in with your doctor first about the supplements, especially if you’re on long-term medication.