Associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior and weight status with sexuality outcomes: Analyses from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background: Physical activity is likely to be associated with sexual activity. However, to date, there is no literature on the relationship between overweight/obesity and sexual activity outcomes. Aim: Thus, the present study assessed the associations between physical activity, sedentary behavior, and weight status with sexual activity and number of previous sexual partners in a representative sample of US adults. Methods/Outcomes: Data on leisure time physical activity, total sitting time, weight status, sexual behavior outcomes, and other characteristics were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Study (NHANES) cycle 2007 to 2016. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between body mass index, leisure time physical activity, and total sitting time with past-year sexual activity and number of sexual partners. Results: In a sample of 7,049 men (mean age: 38.3 ± 0.3 years) and 7,005 women (mean age: 38.7 ± 0.2 years) being overweight was associated with higher odds of frequent sexual activity (OR=1.5, 95% CI=1.2-1.7) among men, but lower odds among women (OR=0.8, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9). Sufficient physical activity was associated with higher odds of frequent sexual activity among both men (OR=1.3, 95% CI=1.1-1.5) and women (OR=1.2, 95% CI=1.0-1.4). In those living alone, being obese was associated with lower odds of having at least one sexual partner for men (OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.5-0.9) and women (OR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4-0.8). Being sufficiently physically active was associated with higher odds of having at least one sexual partner only in men (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.2-2.2). Clinical Implications: Healthcare professionals need to be made aware of these results, as they could be used to plan tailored interventions. Strengths & Limitations: Strengths include the large, representative sample of US adults and objective measures of anthropometry. Limitations include the cross-sectional design of the study and that all variables on sexual history were self-reported. Conclusions: The present study identifies novel modifiable behavioral and biological antecedents of sexuality outcomes.