Survey on obesity and sex

Press, 23 September 1983, Page 14

Survey on obesity and sex

NZPA Anaheim, California Most American women who responded to a survey said they were not enthusiastic about sex when they were overweight, but they also said those extra kilograms did not seem to quash their partners’ desire.

The survey results were outlined at the American Dietetic Association’s annual convention. They also showed that the average married woman gains 23 pounds (10kg) by her thirtieth wedding anniversary. Her husband expands by 18 pounds (9kg) over the same period. Ms Reva Frankie, a dietitian and nutrition director for Weight Watchers’ International, detailed results of a questionnaire published in April’s edition of the group’s monthly magazine. About 15,000 readers — 97 per cent of them female — responded by mail to questions drawn up by Mr Richard Stuart, Weight Watchers’ director of motivational research. Mr Stuart concludes that bulges are more of an obstacle to wives’ libido than to husbands’ desire. When asked how excess flab affects their sexual desire and that of their partners, 83 per cent of respondents said they felt less passionate when they were overweight, but they said it did not seem to dim the ardour of their men.

Explaining Mr Stuart’s findings, Ms Frankie said obesity appeared to be a family affair in which everyone was affected by each member’s eating habits.

“We found that spouses tend to acquire similar habits after marriage,” she said, “and since they’re not dating any longer, they spend more time in the evening watching television and snacking — typically on salty, high-fat goodies.”