Overweight and infertility

Obesity is the cause of primary infertility in 6% of cases. About 30% of overweight women who normalized their weight were able to conceive naturally.

Why is being overweight a cause of infertility?

The adipose tissue in the human body functions as an endocrine organ, as it has hormonal functions. It produces an excess of estrogens that disrupt hormonal balance by suppressing the secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). This results in anovulation and irregularities in the menstrual cycle, significantly reducing the chances of successful conception.

Furthermore, being overweight can hinder the success of an in vitro fertilization (IVF) program. The success of IVF depends on the woman's body condition, particularly the quality of her eggs and endometrium, which are impaired in cases of excess weight. When a woman is obese, the quality of her eggs and endometrium deteriorates, making it more difficult to produce viable embryos and achieve successful implantation in the uterus. In men, excess weight can also be a cause of infertility, as it reduces sperm quality and negatively affects fertility.

Being overweight can mask another problem: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This endocrine disorder is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts in the ovaries, a disruption of hormonal balance, and ovulation. PCOS is often accompanied by insulin resistance, hyperandrogenism, and an increased risk of infertility. If suspected or diagnosed, it is advisable to consult a doctor and take measures to reduce body weight and normalize blood sugar levels.

How to treat infertility if it is due to being overweight?

Overweight women who are struggling to conceive undergo a comprehensive examination to determine an individual therapeutic strategy. At the diagnostic stage, it is important to identify the presence of comorbidities, such as

• disorders of fat and carbohydrate metabolism;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• endocrine pathologies.

Effective approaches to normalize weight

One of the key steps to overcoming infertility caused by excess weight is normalizing body weight. Effective approaches include

• Low-carbohydrate diets. These diets help reduce insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Regular physical exercise. Activities such as running, swimming, and weight training help improve metabolism and burn fat tissue.
• Psychological support. Working with a counselor or participating in support groups helps you stay motivated and cope with the stress that often accompanies the weight loss process.

A reduction in body weight, even by 5% in cases of obesity, can restore ovulatory cycles and significantly increase the chances of conception, as the decrease in adipose tissue reduces the excess production of estrogens and improves hormonal balance, facilitating the ovulation process.

For young women with normal ovarian reserve, it is recommended to reduce weight by 7-10% over six months before using assisted reproductive techniques (ART). For patients over 35 years old with reduced ovarian reserve, a gynecologist and a dietitian prepare an individual weight loss plan to ensure obtaining a sufficient number of eggs during the IVF program.

Register for a consultation

The doctors at Natuvitro have extensive experience in treating the most complex cases of female and male infertility. The clinic offers personalized treatment plans, including weight loss programs, medication treatments, nutritional and psychological counseling, as well as the use of assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF and ICSI.

Make an appointment for a consultation to learn more about the link between being overweight and infertility and to receive a personalized plan to overcome this issue.