The body image and emotional consequences associated with being overweight has been shown to decrease libido in both men and women. Most patients volunteer that after weight loss they feel more sexually attractive and are happier with their sex lives. A majority report increased libido well before they have achieved their full weight loss.

Being overweight has been shown to have a strong influence on infertility and menstrual irregularity in women. Conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome tend to exhibit increased frequency in obese women. Group treatment programs, which include diet and exercise components, have been shown to work quite favorably, often resulting in the return of fertility. The group factor is important because there seems to be a psychological factor involved in both weight loss and infertility. Treatment in support groups tends to work better for most patients, and the resulting elevated moods make the return of fertility more likely.