Influence of weight reduction by sibutramine on female sexual function

Abstract

Background: It is well known that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can cause sexual dysfunction, so it is possible that sibutramine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, could induce sexual dysfunction. Design and subjects: The effect of sibutramine on sexual function was evaluated in 46 overweight and obese (body mass index (BMI) X23 kg/m 2 ) but otherwise healthy married women (28-44 years). Participants were randomly assigned at baseline to either the sibutramine or control group. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire was used to assess sexual function at baseline and after treatment with behavioral therapy plus sibutramine 10 mg once daily or behavioral therapy alone (control) for 8 weeks.Results: Mean weight loss from baseline to week 8 was À6.03% in sibutramine group and À0.38% in the control group. There was significant improvement of FSFI total score, arousal domain score and lubrication domain score in the sibutramine group (Po0.05), and significant differences in arousal, orgasm, satisfaction domain score and total score (Po0.05) in favor of sibutramine. Decreases in body weight and BMI were correlated with the improvement of arousal (r ¼ À0.44 and r ¼ À0.48, respectively) and orgasm (r ¼ À0.45 and r ¼ À0.46, respectively) domains. Conclusion: Treatment with sibutramine plus behavioral therapy did not induce sexual dysfunction and sibutramine-induced weight reduction appeared to have a positive impact on sexual function in this small group of overweight and moderately obese women. The degree of improvement in sexual function was correlated with the degree of weight reduction.

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Sexual Dysfunction Among Women: A Meta-Analysis

“…Moreover, Larsen (2005) in a review of cross-sectional and prospective studies found a correlation between obesity and erectile dysfunction in men (18). Consistent with these findings, most weight-loss interventions have been associated with improved sexual function in both men and women (33)(34)(35). The results of a review conducted by Kolotkin et al also showed a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction in obese men and women compared to normal individuals.…”

Association of Body Weight and Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Case Control Study

“…However, it seems that weight loss helps to improve sexual performance in overweight women. Improved sexual function after weight reduction in obese young women is probably due to change in sex hormones, estrogen and androgens and improvement of body image (36). …”

Prevalence and degree of sexual dysfunction in a sample of women seeking bariatric surgery

“…Kolotkin et al [28] found that sexual quality of life improved with weight loss in women undergoing non-surgical treatment. In another study [29], weight losses achieved through an 8-week combination of sibutramine and behavioral intervention yielded improvements in FSFI total score and domain scores relating to arousal and lubrication. More recently, Kolotkin and colleagues [30] found improvements in sexual quality of life in female gastric bypass surgery patients at 2 years postoperatively.…”