Obesity and Infertility are closely linked

Weight loss can improve your chances of pregnancy

Obesity and infertility are very closely linked. With obesity running out of control throughout America, it is important to point out the repercussions of the epidemic. There are several causes to the increase in infertility with obese women and we will look at them below.

In all people who are obese, it is known that insulin resistance occurs through a number of hormonal imbalances. This is thought to be one factor for anovulation, the lack of an egg being produced by the ovary, in women and therefore infertility. Also, the fat that is deposited in a woman’s abdomen is known to produce androgens, or male hormones. This in turn prevents maturation in the ovary and contributes to anovulation. We know that compared to women of normal weight, studies have shown that with BMIs above 31, women have a 170% higher chance of having infertility issues secondary to anovulation. This confirms the direct correlation between obesity and infertility. The problems don’t just stop there. Once pregnancy occurs, the obese woman is at higher risk for gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and miscarriage. In another study evaluating women who are obese but ovulate normally, it was shown that with a BMI over 40, women were 43% less likely to get pregnant spontaneously. This research also noted that obese women needed higher doses of infertility drugs in order to achieve pregnancy. This confirms once again the direct correlation between obesity and infertility. The good news is that even a small percentage drop in body weight can help start ovulation again.

Over one third of all Americans are now obese and this statistic continues to rise each year. The health risks that come with obesity are many and now the increased chance of not having children makes obesity even more necessary to get under control. The health benefits of weight loss are well documented and long term weight loss is 100% possible with surgical options that are safe and proven. If you are trying to become pregnant, remember that even small amounts of weight loss will improve your chances. This weight loss will not only help with a successful pregnancy but also lower your risk of complications during the pregnancy.