Does weight affect behaviour in the bedroom?

Queen once sang that “fat-bottomed girls make the rocking world go round” – but do they rock the bedroom?


According to a recent survey by weight-loss specialist LighterLife, sex, or the lack thereof, is heavy on the minds of overweight adults, with an overwhelming majority citing it as the main motivation to lose weight.

The study of the bedroom habits of 3,000 Brits revealed 62 per cent of overweight women prefer to be under the covers before their partner comes to bed, while 46 per cent of overweight men would rather avoid sex altogether as a direct result of their weight.

Figures also revealed one in 10 overweight adults haven’t had sex for a year because they are worried about being seeing naked, while eight per cent of clinically obese people said they couldn’t remember the last time they had sex.

A massive 98 per cent of the women surveyed who are over a size 16 said they felt unattractive, 68 per sent of obese people said they had never felt sexy, while just 12 per cent of those with a normal Body Mass Index said the same.

But is there really much to differentiate between overweight people and those of a normal weight when it comes to being under the covers?

Luke Ward, a 19-year-old student from the University of Lincoln said he had only ever had good sexual experiences with girls who considered themselves overweight.

He said: "I had a sexual experience with a girl I met after a night out in Ritzy’s nightclub and she considered herself to be rather plump.

"It was during my first year of university, and quite a drunken night, to be honest, but I remember it being good.

"Based on the experience, I’d say larger girls tend to keep their clothes on a lot more and are a lot more conscious about their bodies.

"They seem to be less confident when it comes to the bedroom, but it’s as though they feel the need to compensate for their body issues.

"I’d say the myth about larger girls being more eager to please is certainly true."

From a female perspective, Natalie Clark, a 24-year-old receptionist from Lincoln, said maintaining a healthy sex life was a major motivation to keep an eye on her weight.

She said: "I keep a close eye on my figure in the same way I wash my hair and keep my clothes clean.

"I wouldn’t be able to bear the thought of someone seeing me naked if I wasn’t feeling attractive and sexy within myself.

"I don’t think it’s vain or shallow to be motivated to look good by the prospect of sex.

"The key to a healthy sex life is to feel comfortable in your own skin. That way you can be confident when it comes to sexually expressing yourself with your partner."