Can infertility treatment lead to excessive weight gain?

Does hormone therapy impact body weight?

“I am gaining weight. Is it because of the infertility treatment?” - this question is one of the most common among patients consulting their fertility specialist. Dr. Kanchan Devi from the Fertility Cloudnine Group of Hospitals (Chennai) explains that this myth has little scientific basis, citing studies showing that ovulation stimulation and hormone therapy have no significant effect on long-term weight change in most women.

Why is there a risk of weight gain during treatment?

The human body is composed of about 70% water, with the remaining 30% made up of muscles, bones, and other tissues. Any factor that alters the balance of these components can lead to fluctuations in body weight. Some patients notice weight gain during fertility treatments, but this is not the case for everyone, and there are several reasons for this.

Each organism is different, and its reaction to various medications can be unpredictable. The medications used in infertility treatments, particularly in intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), stimulate the production of estrogen. This hormone affects the body’s fluid balance by promoting water retention.

This condition is similar to premenstrual syndrome, but it is more pronounced due to the increased number of follicles maturing in the ovaries. However, once the cycle is over, hormone levels return to normal, and the excess fluid is gradually eliminated. Therefore, weight gain is temporary and does not affect all women.

Influence of physical activity and emotional state

Weight gain associated with an increase in adipose tissue is, in most cases, due to a decrease in physical activity. Many women falsely believe that physical activity can reduce the likelihood of a successful conception and therefore limit their mobility. Some patients even take vacations during the treatment period, which also contributes to reducing their activity level.

Moreover, the stress and anxiety accompanying fertility treatment programs often lead to increased food consumption as a psychological compensation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and moderate physical activity, can help prevent weight gain.

Modern stimulation techniques and their effects on weight gain

According to Dr. Kanchan Devi, older IVF stimulation techniques carried a risk of weight gain and the development of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, particularly in patients suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome. However, with modern developments in reproductive medicine, gentler and more moderate stimulation protocols, such as mild stimulation and protocols with GnRH antagonists, have become available. These approaches reduce the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation and fluid accumulation, thus minimizing undesirable side effects, including weight change.

Weight gain during fertility treatment is not inevitable and is temporary in most cases. The main factors influencing body weight during this period are hormonal changes, water retention, decreased physical activity, and emotional stress. Modern stimulation methods help avoid serious side effects, and maintaining an active lifestyle and appropriate diet helps control weight during treatment.