Obesity and fertility are two intertwined issues that have attracted a lot of attention in recent years, and the effects of one are often profound on the other.
Being overweight or obese may reduce fertility. If pregnancy occurs, being overweight increases the risks associated with pregnancy. Losing weight in obese people may increase the chance of pregnancy and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Obesity and infertility have a close relationship with each other, so statistics show that being overweight can have a negative effect on women of reproductive age, up to 78%. The cause of this negative effect is the disorders that obesity has on menstruation and, consequently, on ovulation.
Obesity also affects men’s fertility because their hormones are disturbed, and this disturbance will cause problems such as type 2 diabetes or obstructive sleep apnea, all of which cause sexual disorders. The effect of obesity on men’s fertility is that it severely reduces the quality of sperm and causes their molecular and physical structure to change.
Who are people who are overweight or obese?
Unfortunately, I can’t tell exactly who is overweight or obese by looking at them. However, a measurement system called Body Mass Index (BMI) can be used to assess the weight status of adults.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Overweight: A BMI of 25 or higher is considered overweight.
- Obese: A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.
It’s important to note that BMI is a general guideline and doesn’t account for muscle mass or body composition.
How obesity affects fertility
For some people, obesity can make it difficult to get pregnant, especially women. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines obesity as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which measures body fat based on height and weight.
Obesity affects fertility by changing the way sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are stored and produced. These hormones are essential for ovulation, releasing an egg from the ovary each month. Obesity can also affect the quality and quantity of eggs and sperm, the building blocks of fertilization.
Hormonal imbalance
Obesity can lead to an imbalance in hormones, especially hormones involved in ovulation, which can lead to irregular menstrual cycles or lack of ovulation. Obesity can significantly affect the balance of female hormones and lead to a wide range of health problems.
Increased estrogen level
Obesity is associated with increased estrogen levels in the blood. This can lead to irregular menstrual periods, an increased risk of uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as uterine fibroids.
Estrogen and Progesterone Imbalance
Obesity can disrupt the balance between estrogen and progesterone, hormones necessary to regulate the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and severe menstrual cramps.
Low testosterone levels
Obesity can lead to low testosterone levels in women. Testosterone is essential for bone health, libido, and mood. Low testosterone levels can lead to osteoporosis, decreased libido, and depression.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Obesity is commonly associated with polycystic ovary syndrome, a condition characterized by hormonal imbalances and cysts in the ovaries, which can affect ovulation and fertility.
Reduced egg quality
Research shows that obesity may affect the quality of eggs, which can affect the chances of fertility.
Effects of obesity on eggs:
- Hormonal imbalance: Obesity can lead to an imbalance of hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and insulin, which are essential for the maturation and proper functioning of the eggs. This imbalance can lead to ovulation disorders, reduced egg quality, and increased risk of infertility.
- Genetic changes: Obesity can affect the egg’s DNA and lead to genetic abnormalities that can increase the risk of miscarriage, birth defects, and developmental problems in the fetus.
- Oxidative stress: Obesity is associated with increased levels of free radicals in the body, which can damage cells, including eggs. This damage can lead to a decrease in egg quality and an increase in the risk of fetal death.
- Chronic inflammation: Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation, which can damage ovarian follicles, where eggs develop. This damage can lead to a decrease in egg quality and ovulation disorders.
Increased risk of miscarriage
Obesity raises miscarriage risk in women by disrupting hormones like estrogen, vital for healthy eggs, and triggering inflammation that can harm the uterus lining. This makes implantation and supporting a pregnancy more difficult. However, even moderate weight loss can improve pregnancy outcomes.
Disruption of assisted reproductive technologies
Obesity can significantly lower IVF success rates by reducing healthy egg quality due to hormonal imbalances, increasing miscarriage risk from a less receptive uterus, and raising the chance of pregnancy complications. However, even moderate weight loss alongside a doctor can significantly improve your IVF journey by boosting egg health, reducing miscarriage risk, and creating a healthier pregnancy environment.
Male factor infertility
In men, obesity can lead to hormonal changes that lower testosterone levels and sperm quality, affecting male fertility.
Endometrial lining problems
Obesity can significantly hinder a woman’s chance of pregnancy by negatively affecting the endometrial lining. Excess weight disrupts hormones, causing the lining to thicken abnormally, and chronic inflammation can damage its ability to nourish an embryo. Additionally, obesity might disturb blood flow to the uterus, limiting the supply of essential nutrients. These combined effects create a less receptive environment for implantation and a healthy pregnancy.
Increased risk of pregnancy complications
The increased risk of pregnancy complications due to obesity can be a major concern, not just for the current pregnancy but also for future fertility. Here’s how it connects:
Complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia: These conditions can take a toll on the mother’s health and potentially restrict blood flow and nutrient delivery to the fetus.
- Increased risk of stillbirth: Sadly, obesity can raise the risk of stillbirth, which can be a devastating experience and emotionally impact future childbearing decisions.
- Indirect impact on future fertility: The physical and emotional toll of complications or loss can influence a woman’s desire or ability to conceive again.
It emphasizes the importance of managing weight before and during pregnancy to optimize the chances of a healthy pregnancy and future fertility.
Decreased libido
Obesity and related hormonal imbalance can lead to decreased libido in men and women and reduce the number of sexual activities and thus the chances of pregnancy.
Insulin resistance
Obesity significantly raises insulin resistance, a condition where cells resist insulin’s ability to usher sugar into them for energy. This leads to high blood sugar, forcing the pancreas to overproduce insulin and potentially leading to type 2 diabetes. Fat tissue, especially belly fat, and chronic inflammation caused by obesity are key culprits. Insulin resistance, a major consequence of obesity, disrupts hormonal balance in both men and women, negatively affecting fertility.
However, even moderate weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity and potentially prevent future health problems.
How to reverse weight-related infertility
There are steps you can take to reverse weight-related infertility.
Weight loss
Aim for an average weight loss of 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. It can significantly improve hormonal balance and ovulation regularity in women with PCOS and improve sperm quality in men.
Diet and exercise
Focus on a healthy, balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
Have regular physical activity. Exercise helps with weight loss, improves insulin sensitivity, and reduces inflammation.
Lifestyle changes
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can worsen hormonal imbalances. Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
- Get enough sleep: Aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep a night.
Consider consulting a doctor or registered dietitian: they can create a personalized weight management plan and address any underlying conditions.
The bottom line
Being overweight or obese during pregnancy brings many risks for both the mother and the fetus. Increased risk of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, pregnancy poisoning, cesarean section, premature birth, and high birth weight babies are among these risks.
In addition, being overweight can negatively affect a person’s reproductive health and reduce the possibility of getting pregnant. Therefore, having the right weight before and during pregnancy is very important to have a healthy pregnancy and successful delivery.
If you are overweight, by consulting your doctor, you can reduce your weight before or during pregnancy with healthy and principled methods and prevent complications.
Remember that even losing 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can be very beneficial for your and your baby’s health during pregnancy.
Additional questions
- How does leptin affect fertility?
High leptin levels are associated with low levels of ovarian hormones, estradiol and progesterone, and low quality of produced eggs. Therefore, leptin concentration is likely related to female infertility.
- What are the diseases caused by obesity?
Obesity is not only a problem for appearance and beauty. It is a medical problem that increases the risk of many diseases and other health problems. These can include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep apnea, and some cancers.
- What are the nine causes of obesity?
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy eating behaviors
- Not getting enough good-quality sleep
- High amounts of stress
- Health conditions
- Genetics
- Medicines
- Unhealthy eating behaviors
- Your environment
- Is obesity a disease or a choice?
Obesity’s status as a disease or choice is debated. While genetics and environment play a role, ultimately, diet and exercise are key. It’s likely a complex interplay of both. Regardless, the focus should be on solutions like promoting healthy habits, weight management programs, and addressing underlying conditions for better health outcomes.
- What effect does obesity have on birth?
There are possible problems for the child if the mother is overweight during pregnancy. Baby problems can include premature birth and an increased chance of stillbirth. The child is also more likely to develop neural tube defects such as spina bifida.
References
https://www.news-medical.net/health/Obesity-and-Infertility.aspx
https://news.flindersfertility.com.au/the-link-between-obesity-and-infertility
https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/obesity/how-obesity-affects-fertility
https://theconversation.com/how-does-being-overweight-affect-my-fertility-95224
