Living healthily may lead to a better sex life

There is no shortage of evidence that obesity, cigarettes and illegal drugs can pose significant health risks. However, some people may not know that their unhealthy habits can also have an impact on their sex lives.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, weight problems, sedentary lifestyles, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and drug use are all associated with sexual dysfunction.

The research involved more than 5,500 men and women between the ages of 16 and 97.

The study's results showed that unhealthy lifestyle factors can increase a man's odds of not having a partner-related sex life by 78 percent, and a woman's chances by 91 percent.

Moreover, a large waist circumference was associated with a 71 percent increased risk of sexual dysfunction in men, while women who used hashish were three times more likely to experience difficulty climaxing during sex.

"Knowing about possible negative consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle to one's sexual health may help people quit smoking, consume less alcohol, exercise more and lose weight," said lead researcher Morten Frisch.