Possibly TMI, weight affecting intimacy?

zunkmag2017
zunkmag2017 Posts: 3 Member
edited November 2024 in Motivation and Support
This is my first post, ever, so I hope it's not out of line.
Just curious if anyone has had their weight effect their sense of intimacy? Does it still impede your ability to be affectionate? If not, what steps have you taken to improve it?
I'm only 25 and due to some anxiety medication I've been placed on I've gained more weight last year than I thought possible.. I've always been a bit overweight but I started stepping on the scale and slowly see it creep over 200. I've always have confidence issues and after having a son (which honestly I had lost about ten points after having him from my starting weight) I have had no will to be intimate with my poor husband. I just can't see how anything about this huge mess I've become could be attractive to anyone. I've spoken about it with my husband and he's always been such a supporting understanding partner but I just feel so bad putting him through this... Has anyone had this issue and how did they get through it?

Replies

  • L1zardQueen
    L1zardQueen Posts: 8,753 Member
    Sometimes anxiety medication will create a low libido, I would ask the prescribing doctor.
  • zunkmag2017
    zunkmag2017 Posts: 3 Member
    Thanks for the input. I'm currently on sertraline. I have mentioned it to my past providers whom seemed to have brushed it off. Though I just got a new one and will be mentioning it at my next appointment. This had started before the medication, however, I don't think the medication is helping in that department. Haha
  • 49Elle
    49Elle Posts: 80 Member
    I am a lot older than you but have battled weight all my life and it does have an effect on your self image. When I was young in my 20's with three young children I thought I was fat, but I was also beautiful... good skin nice face lovely long silky hair - tummy a bit average after three babies, but overall I really didn't have the problem I thought I had!

    I agree with @Tiny_Dancer_in_Pink it would be wise to discuss these feelings with your doctor because if you are feeling inadequate (low self confidence) then this medication is not doing much if anything to help you and although it's not uncommon after childbirth to lose libido due to the stresses and tiredness of having your first child & coping it should not go on and on and you may have some post natal depression affecting you as well.

    You need to get pro active about both your mental health and your general health. The only person that can communicate how you feel right now is you! You are obviously here because you feel you need to lose weight.. you didn't say how much.. but if you structure a plan with the MFP guidelines.. make better food choices and stay under the calorie goal you will see your weight drop. If you add in some simple exercise - like taking your baby out in a pram for a walk everyday... setting yourself a task of general exercises for tummy toning simple sit ups & push ups ... heaps of dvd's to choose from - try your library to borrow before buying (there are many freebies to guide you on You Tube) or Zumba, your activities at improving your self will also improve your self esteem - you don't need other people to tell you to take pride in yourself - you need to do it for yourself!

    If you are up for it join a mothers group for some socialising. You are not the only person who feels isolated in their worries but to improve you need to take a positive approach and take a different path.

    From my experience medication only dulls the worry it doesn't remove it - its up to you to change your approach and attitude to achieve improvement and be happy and as body image seems to be on your mind, why not start with that - you will be doing yourself a great favour
  • zunkmag2017
    zunkmag2017 Posts: 3 Member
    Thank you for that! I will certainly have to kinda suck it up and work through it. I suppose it's like working out. Lol
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