Weight and Fertility
Weight has a strong impact on fertility in both women and men. Being overweight or underweight can disrupt hormones, affect ovulation in women, and reduce sperm quality in men. Achieving a healthy weight through good nutrition and regular activity can improve natural fertility and boost the success of fertility treatments.
How Does Weight Affect Fertility in Women?
Many underweight, overweight and obese women have no problem getting pregnant, but some might have problems conceiving, most often due to ovulation problems (Failure to release eggs from the ovaries). Being underweight often causes irregular menstrual cycles and may cause ovulation to stop altogether. Underweight women should work with their doctor to understand the cause of this situation, and develop strategies to correct it.
Weight and Ovulation Problems
Being underweight, overweight, or obese can interfere with ovulation, making it harder for some women to conceive due to irregular or absent egg release.
Effects of Being Underweight
Underweight women may experience irregular menstrual cycles or complete lack of ovulation, requiring medical evaluation and guidance to address the underlying cause.
Effects of Obesity on Fertility
Obesity can also disrupt menstrual cycles and ovulation, and even women who ovulate normally may have lower pregnancy rates compared to women of healthy weight.
Importance of Pre-Pregnancy Health Check
A medical check-up before pregnancy can help identify obesity-related conditions—such as thyroid problems, insulin resistance, or diabetes—that may affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Does Obesity Affect the Chance of Getting Pregnant With Treatment And Having a Healthy Baby?
There is good evidence that obesity lowers the success rates of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). Studies have shown lower pregnancy rates and higher miscarriage rates in obese women. Obese women are at an increased risk for developing pregnancy – induced (Gestational) diabetes and high blood pressure (Pre – eclampsia). Obese women also have a higher chance of delivering by cesarean section. Children of obese mothers are at increased risk of some birth defects and having high birth weight.
Obesity in men may be associated with changes in testosterone levels and other hormones important for reproduction. Low sperm counts and low sperm motility (movements) have been found more often in overweight and obese men than in normal-weight men.
You should first consult with a healthcare provider. He or she will consider all factors, including your age and any other infertility factors before making a recommendation about whether you should try to lose weight first.
PCOS is very common condition in young women. Not all women with PCOS are Overweight or obese, but many women with PCOS have signs of insulin resistance and/or obesity. A low-calorie diet and exercise may lead to weight loss, regular menstrual cycles and ovulation. However, women with PCOS may require additional treatment to get pregnant, including medications to decrease insulin resistance. These women should seek the assistance of an infertility specialist