Sex and weight loss: What better form of exercise?

Over the last 15 years I have watched as my weight has slowly increased due to my physical limitations. The challenges can be overwhelming and frustrating. Many exercises can cause extreme fatigue and it is next to impossible to find a gym or facility with accessible equipment for a woman in a power wheelchair.

So, maybe it’s time I start thinking outside of the box about what I can do to increase my heart rate and maintain a healthy weight. I started considering a different kind of physical activity, the kind that involves intimacy and human touch. Yes, I am talking about sex.

As human beings, it is natural to crave love and fulfillment through a variety of ways, one being through intimacy and sexual activity. I am not necessarily speaking of sexual intercourse, but the overall activity of being intimate. An intimate encounter can gradually increase your heart rate just as any other physical activity.

Although accommodations may be needed, physical activity can occur for people with all types of disabilities. The link between physical activity and sexual relations should not be underestimated in terms of weight management.

Sexual activity can increase the amount of calories an individual burns. Sexual activity and intimacy can also increase self-esteem, improve heart health, meet emotional needs, and enhance sleep quality.

According to WebMD, the top 10 health benefits to individuals involved in sexual relations include:

• Helps keep immune system “humming”
• Enhances individual’s libido
• Lowers blood pressure
• Improves women’s bladder control
• Lowers risk of heart disease
• Offers a form of physical and cardio vascular exercise
• Lessens pain
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Increases self-esteem

Having a disability is real. So is the desire and need for love and a physical connection through human touch. This touch may consist of a hug, a kiss, snuggling, and yes, further sexual activity.

Sexual activity allows me to get some physical exercise while feeling good about myself, staying healthy, and remembering that my disability does not have to stop me from having a fulfilling quality of life. Sounds like a great win-win-win to me!

Additional Resources

Sex as exercise?

Read more personal accounts of others experiences with sexuality and disability

Disabled still have sex lives

See more from the GoWoman community

-By Leanne Beers, guest blogger and member of the GoWoman Community Advisory Board