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Men who lose weight following gastric bypass surgery may have more satisfying sex lives than overweight or obese peers who do not have the surgery, according to the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. According to researchers who conducted the study, obese men often experience sexual problems that can include erectile dysfunction and shortness of breath during sex. The study shows that weight loss surgery and the dramatic weight loss that follows helps to increase levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, which may mean an improved sex life.

Researchers came to their conclusions by first measuring the men’s hormone levels at the beginning and end of the study. Participants were also asked about their quality of life, including sex life and sexual performance, during these two periods. On average, male participates weighed about 333 pounds and had a body mass index (BMI) of 46. (Note: we consider men to be a candidate for weight-loss surgery with a BMI of 40 or more for men or between 35 and 39.9 with a serious obesity-related health problem.) Weight loss and a decreased BMI were directly linked with increases in testosterone levels, decreases in the female sex hormone estradiol and improvements in self-reported sexual quality of life.

What does bariatric weight-loss surgery do for a woman’s sex life? A study hasn’t yet been conducted on women, although weight loss and typically resulting better body image and more positive self-esteem would seemingly contribute to increased satisfaction. Becoming more physically active after surgery also should help increase stamina and self confidence. Researchers point out that a woman’s sex drive is not as strongly linked to hormone levels, however.