Sexuality amongst heterosexual men with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: To describe and understand the experiences of sexuality amongst heterosexual men diagnosed with morbid obesity (MO) who are in a bariatric surgery programme. Background: Morbid obesity is a chronic metabolic disease that affects men's physical, psychological and sexual health. Evidence suggests that MO could be linked to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, sexual life and social disorders. Bariatric surgery is a reliable method for weight loss in patients with MO. Design: This is a qualitative study based on Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology, and the COREQ checklist was employed to report on the current study. Methods: Convenience and purposive sampling was carried out and included 24 indepth interviews with heterosexual men with MO in a bariatric surgery programme between October 2018-March 2019 in Spain. Results: Two main themes emerged from the analysis: (a) a corporality which is judged and condemned; and (b) adapting sexual practices to bariatric surgery. Conclusions: Men with MO reject a body that limits their physical, social and sexual life. A negative body image and low self-esteem, which do not respond to the traditional masculine role or new masculinities, reduce men's self-concept. Men with MO feel rejection, stigma and isolation. Support from their partner is fundamental to adapt. Relevance to clinical practice: The results of the study draw attention to how heterosexual men with MO experience their sexuality in a bariatric surgery programme and the challenges nurses face. Recognising the problem, helping to develop coping strategies or referring to specialists in sexuality could improve the quality of life in patients and their partners.

Social Support for People with Morbid Obesity in a Bariatric Surgery Programme: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

“…Support from one's partner can improve the phase of awaiting surgery [38], especially if both partners are in the bariatric surgery programme [39]. In accordance with our results, some participants were on the receiving end of negative gestures or comments, leading to reduced communication and affection, as well as increased fear of being left [22]. Support from family is key for people with MO [49] and the more support they have, the more likely they are to consider bariatric surgery [27].…”

“…MO caused physical, psychological and social problems, as well as emotional and body image issues. According to our results, men regarded MO as a health issue that also affected social and amorous relationships [ 22 ]. Women, on the other hand, were more worried about the aesthetic facet, feeling stuck in a body that they rejected and did not want to reveal, which, in turn, deteriorated their social relations [ 21 ].…”

“…Physical, psychological, social and cultural factors make living with MO difficult. People with MO face physical impediments, difficulty in moving [ 19 ], low self-esteem or self-control [ 20 ], disorders associated with negative body image [ 21 ], shame and psychosocial stress, all of which can lead to limited social relations, stigma and the loss of quality of life [ 22 , 23 ]. Facing MO not only requires weight loss but also dealing with psychological and social problems [ 24 ].…”

Sexuality amongst heterosexual women with morbid obesity in a bariatric surgery programme: A qualitative study

“…Concurring with Mariano et al (2014), participants stated that MO caused physical limitations, hindering mobility and making sexual positions difficult, thus making their bodies a severe obstacle in relation to their sexuality. Similarly to men with MO, the women reject a body that limits their physical, social and sexual lives (Granero-Molina et al, 2020).…”

“…Research into FSD in MO women has focused on diagnosis, treatment and psychological effects. Whilst there have been studies on sexual function and the expectations surrounding bariatric surgery of patients with MO included in a bariatric surgery program (Granero‐Molina et al, 2020; Jiménez et al, 2014; Poulsen et al, 2016), little is known about the experiences of women. Our research question is “What are the experiences of heterosexual women diagnosed with MO in a bariatric surgery program in relation to sexuality?” The framework described by Verschuren et al (2010) allows us to understand how chronic disease (MO) may affect physical, psychological and sexual well‐being.…”