Can Your Metabolic Health Affect Your Sexual Desire and Function? 7 Things to Know

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine

Sexual desire and function are often talked about in terms of hormones, stress or relationship dynamics. While all of those matter, they’re only part of the picture. An often-overlooked factor is metabolic health, which plays a quiet but influential role in sexual desire and function. 

Metabolic health refers to how well your body manages things like blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and fat storage. When these systems are working well, the body is better equipped to support hormone balance, circulation and energy levels. All of those are essential for a healthy sex life.

1. Metabolic Health Supports Healthy Hormone Production

Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen are closely tied to metabolic processes. When blood sugar is unstable or insulin resistance develops, hormone signaling can become disrupted. This can lead to lower testosterone levels in men and hormonal imbalances in women that affect desire, arousal and comfort during sex. 

These changes aren’t always dramatic at first. Many people notice subtle shifts, such as reduced interest in sex or less consistent arousal, before any major health diagnosis appears.

2. Insulin Resistance Can Interfere With Sexual Function

Insulin resistance does more than affect energy and weight. It can also impair how the body uses hormones and delivers nutrients to tissues. Over time, this can impact your sexual response.

For some people, sexual dysfunction becomes an early sign that metabolic health is declining. It’s often one of the first areas where the body signals that something is off.

3. Blood Flow Plays a Major Role in Arousal

Healthy circulation is essential for sexual function. Arousal depends on the ability of blood vessels to expand and deliver blood efficiently to the sexual organs. Conditions linked to poor metabolic health, such as high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow.

This can make erections harder to achieve or maintain and can also affect sensitivity and arousal in women. In many cases, these changes are physical rather than psychological. 

4. Obesity Places Added Strain on the Body

Obesity is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction, and it has a measurable impact on sexual health. Estimates indicate that obesity affects more than 650 million adults around the world, making it a widespread issue.

Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, increases inflammation and disrupts hormone balance. It can also worsen insulin resistance and cardiovascular health, which can reduce sexual desire and performance. 

5. Chronic Inflammation Can Reduce Libido

Poor metabolic health is often accompanied by ongoing low-grade inflammation. This type of inflammation doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, but it can affect the brain and nervous system over time.

Inflammation can interfere with neurotransmitters involved in pleasure and motivation. As a result, sexual desire may gradually decline, even when attraction and emotional connection remain strong.

6.Energy Regulation Affects Sexual Interest

The body prioritizes basic survival needs first. When metabolic health is compromised, energy levels often drop, and fatigue becomes more common. This can naturally reduce interest in sex.

Unstable blood sugar, poor sleep and metabolic stress can all contribute to feeling too drained or unfocused for intimacy. Addressing these issues often leads to improvements that go beyond just energy levels.

The good news is that even modest improvements in metabolic health can make a difference. Better blood sugar control, improved cardiovascular fitness, and reduced inflammation often support healthier hormone levels and circulation. 

Sexual health isn’t separate from overall health. In many cases, changes that support metabolic well-being also help restore desire, function and confidence.

The Takeaway

Sexual desire and function are influenced by far more than age or hormones alone. Metabolic health influences how the body responds physically and mentally to intimacy. Supporting metabolic health is about helping the body function fully, including when it comes to sexual well-being. 

Resources: 

• American Diabetes Association. Sex and Diabetes. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/sexual-health/sex-diabetes
• Bogacki-Rychlik W., Gawęda K., Bialy M. (2024, January). Neurophysiology of male sexual arousal—Behavioral perspective. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10851294/  
• Dineen, K. Love Your Research, Love Healthy Bodies: Advancing Obesity and Metabolic Health Research. MLM Medical Labs. https://www.mlm-labs.com/preclinical-models-in-obesity-and-metabolic-research/
• Irvin M.K., Schutz D., Lorenz T.K. (2025, June). Inflammation as a Potential Mechanism Contributing to Sexual Functioning Following Initiation of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Current Sexual Health Reports. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11583339/