Changes in Sexual Functioning in Women with Severe Obesity After Bariatric Surgery: Impact of Postoperative Adherence to Mediterranean Diet

Background: This study analyzes the effects of bariatric surgery on female sexual function, assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and explores the impact of adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the postoperative period. Patients and methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted using a prospectively collected database, including heterosexual women with morbid obesity undergoing bariatric procedures. The FSFI questionnaire was applied before the intervention and 24 months after surgery. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the PREDIMED questionnaire. Results: Among the 240 participants, 70.8% presented preoperative sexual dysfunction, which decreased to 20.5% two years post-surgery. Significant improvements were observed in all FSFI domains except for pain. Good adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with higher scores in the lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction domains. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery significantly improves female sexual function, with the Mediterranean diet enhancing these benefits during the postoperative period. Future studies must investigate additional variables such as psychological factors, physical activity, and other lifestyle changes that may also influence sexual function.