Better sexual function in women
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2013
- People studied
- 375
In a trial of women with obesity and type 2 diabetes, 28% of those with sexual dysfunction in a weight-loss programme were free of it after a year, against 11%.
- Checked against
- PubMed 23757437
- Published in
- Diabetes Care 2013
- Last checked
- 30 October 2026
Key takeaway
375 women with obesity and type 2 diabetes in the Look AHEAD trial answered a sexual function questionnaire. Half of the 229 sexually active women met the criteria for sexual dysfunction. The weight-loss programme group lost about 7.6 kg in a year, against about 0.5 kg. Among the 113 women with dysfunction at the start, those in the programme were more likely to stay sexually active (83% against 64%). They were also more likely to be free of dysfunction a year later (28% against 11%).
At a glance
- Type of study
- randomised trial (study within the Look AHEAD trial)
- People studied
- 375
- How long
- 1 year
- Compared with
- a diabetes support and education group
- Main result
- Sexual dysfunction resolved in 28%, against 11%.
- Strength of evidence
- Randomised trials
What this study does not show
The main comparison is in 113 women, all with type 2 diabetes. No difference was seen in women without dysfunction at the start.
Results from studies in groups of people, mostly in diet and movement programmes. They cannot be promised to any one person. This information is educational and does not replace a consultation with a doctor.
More on intimate health
- Better erectionsRandomised trials · Esposito et al., JAMA 2004
- Fewer urine leaksRandomised trials · Subak et al., NEJM 2009
- Easier hot flushesRandomised trials · Huang et al., Arch Intern Med 2010
- Better sexual function in womenRandomised trials · Wing et al., Diabetes Care 2013
- Higher testosteroneLong-term or observational studies · Camacho et al., Eur J Endocrinol 2013
- Fewer urine leaks in menRandomised trials · Breyer et al., J Urol 2014
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