Back in the 1980’s, Olivia Newton-John popularised the song “Physical” which promoted fitness and about the same time physical fitness videos by celebrities flooded the market, such as the legendary Jane Fonda Aerobics Videos.  Even John Travolta’s dance movie, “Staying Alive” capitalised on the fact that the then-emerging star was being mentored by no less than Sylvester Stallone for his physical fitness programme to fit the role to a ‘T’.

Everyone seems to go crazy over the latest diet craze being hyped by the media or the newest workout programme to hit the fitness scene. New weight loss pills are being introduced one after another and have flooded the market competing for sales. People everywhere seem to be in that ‘lose the excess pounds’ psyche:  “Thin is sexy”; “Lean is hot”;  “Rip those biceps”; “Flaunt your abs”.

In today’s world where survival of the fittest becomes the name of the game, being overweight is considered absolutely un-sexy.  The message is clear as you see it on TV, billboards, and magazines. Has everyone gone self-conscious?  Let’s face it.  It’s not just about vanity or feeling good about yourself.  It’s about living a healthy lifestyle.  The universal need to look and feel sexually desirable just comes secondary.  Whether you like it or not, being overweight is unattractive and can pose serious consequences in one’s health condition.

How true is it that for every pound you lose, the more sexually desirable you become?  Though there are people, particularly in the Caribbean, who prefer sexual partners who are on the voluptuous side, a great number still prefer having the right curves and bulges at the right places.   However, being sexually attractive is not the only goal we need to consider. Whether you are a man or a woman, you are responsible to always keep your body in good condition, if not in perfect shape. Losing weight can improve the sexual health of both sexes.  The couple becomes more aware of each other’s new size.  Their sexual senses have become more attuned to the sexual stimuli that they receive and therefore it increases their sexual pleasure.  By having slimmer figures, both the man and the woman become comfortable with their bodies. They tend to enjoy each other better when it comes to their sexual activities, as compared to overweight couples. It is no longer just a physical thing, it becomes an emotional factor.

Obesity and Infertility
It is believed that obesity could greatly affect male sexual health concerning infertility.  According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS),”overweight men are significantly more likely to be infertile than normal-weight men, and that for every 20-pound body weight gain in men there is a ten per cent increase in infertility.”  Though statistics show that women are more prone to obesity that men, this still clearly shows that men should also take care of their weight for their health’s sake.

On the other hand, obese women are particularly susceptible to increase in blood pressure than their male counterparts.  There is also higher risk of cancers such as postmenopausal breast cancer and endometrial cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Body Image and 
Healthy Weight
For all its worth, men and women alike should maintain an ideal body weight and image.  Body image is the way we project ourselves and how we perceive and imagine the response of others.  It is not inborn; therefore we can do something about it.  Healthy weight is the size that a person achieves based on the goal initially set in accordance with the person’s physical condition as determined by a medical professional. People try to find sensible and sustainable ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight on a long term basis.   Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, lead a vice-free lifestyle, and all the good things in life will be added unto you as well.