Sexual behavior of young women with obesity indicated for bariatric treatment: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveObesity is linked to decreased quality of sexual life and the development of sexual behavior in adulthood. Because bariatric treatment is considered a promising method for young women with obesity, the purpose of this study was to assess the sexual behavior of women indicated for bariatric treatment and compare them with women indicated for conservative obesity treatment.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 74 women with obesity who were indicated for bariatric treatment (mean age = 29.39 years, SD = 5.26 years; average body mass index =42.57 kg/m²) and 65 women with obesity (mean age = 31.23 years, SD = 5.22 years; average body mass index = 32.77 kg/m²) who preferred conservative treatment. Their data were compared with those of a control sample selected from the general population.ResultsWomen treated with bariatric surgery reported a higher number of sexual partners over their lifetime (N = 13.10) and a higher number of casual sexual experiences for one night (N = 6.97) than women treated with conservative therapies.ConclusionsWomen seeking bariatric treatment show specific differences in their sexual partnerships compared with other women with obesity.