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Sex Q&A: Body Image Affecting Sex Drive?

Q.

The Nest Q&ABefore we got married, I noticed that my husband started to put on some weight. He says he can't stand the way his body looks and that it's just too much work for him to get aroused. Do you have any suggestions?

A.

Your husband has ended up in a vicious cycle: The less desirable he feels, the more likely he is to "comfort" eat to feel better, which is causing him to put on extra weight and feel less desirable.

The good news is that this cycle can be broken. Start with going for walks -- then take up an active hobby together, like dancing, swimming, tennis, sailing...you get the picture. After you've got some activity built into your regular schedule, tackle your cupboards! Stop buying fatty or sugary items, and make sure your fridge and cupboards are stocked with healthy foods instead.

Next, boost his body image. Ask him to turn to you for a quick pep talk when he feels down -- just a phone call or email. He'll learn to talk rather than feed his emotions.

As for your sex life, keep talking. Be supportive and say you'd be happy with foreplay rather than full penetrative sex. A happy sexual relationship is when you understand each other's needs and are prepared to give and take. Once he's a bit more active, eating better, and talking more, his sex drive may spike. But if he's still depressed, he may need further treatment through his doctor.

Nestpert Dr. Pam Spurr, author of Make Love All Night & Talk to Him in the Morning and Naughty Tricks and Sexy Tips: A Couple's Guide to Uninhibited Sexual Pleasure

-- The Nest Editors

Feb 12, 2009

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i would actually suggest you clean out the cabinets first, then you will have a better chance of getting him up and off the couch. its hard to feel motivated when your body is filled with all that bad food. change his an your eating habits first and you wont believe the weight that just drops off all on its own

by saki10 on Nov 19, 2009

I've realized that my hubby needs some motivation from me to get active. We love sitting around, drinking wine, and eating cheese, but we are both packing on the pounds! So I think with this, cleaning out the cupboards is the first easy step. BUT The crucial & hardest step will be for me to get active so he gets active.

by amymichelle789 on Jan 18, 2010

Personally, from a medical professionals point of view, you should have your husband's thyroid checked, especially if this is a rather sudden or short onset problem. Thyroid problems can cause metabolism issues as well as personality, sexual drive problems. This is not a thing to get really worried about. Just make sure he's not just 'putting on weight.'

by nkwoodley on Jun 22, 2010

It's usually a woman with this problem. However, I agree with the Dr., Give him a positive view of how you feel. If he tears himself down, get in the habit of saying something like "but it's good for me :) " At some point, I think it's a good idea to gently suggest working out together. If nothing else, for his health sake.

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by kuangren on Nov 03, 2011

I walk at least three miles per day and if you live near a large mall you can walk there during inclement weather. I met a lady while exercising there and we talked as we walked. She was a few younger than me and was free a lot during the week. She began to confide in me and eventually told me she seldom came because he husband was very fast in coming and didn't give her time so she was frustrated. She wanted to have an affair but not in her home. At time I had a friend with an apartment in town and agreed I could use it. She was a beauity, slender, in great physical condition. Well kept hair and knew how to use makeup to enhance her natural beauity. At first the situation was a little awkward but soon we gave way to nature. She was not to enthusiastic at first with oral sex but quickly participated fully. She liked to get on top and because of my size and staying power, she would come several times each time we were together. She liked for me to use four letter words with her and loosen up so se could use them. Our relationship lasted more than five years.

by weavergap on Nov 08, 2011