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How can Obesity Impact Fertility
- Published on October 03, 2022
According to World Health Organization (WHO) reports, if a person’s body mass index (BMI) is equal to or higher than 25 kg/m, they are considered overweight, and if their BMI is equal to or higher than 30 kg/m, they are considered obese.
Typically, obesity impacts the overall body and causes health issues, including infertility. The population of people affected by obesity is increasing drastically, and unhealthy weight gain has become one of the major outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle. The below-written bullets will help you understand how obesity and overweight can affect the normal function of the reproductive process.
In addition, according to fertility experts, it is necessary to maintain a regular or healthy weight if you are planning to conceive a baby. The negative effects of obesity result in frequent miscarriage, irregular periods, hormonal imbalance, etc. At times, excessive fatty tissues in the body also lead to cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), contributing to ovulation disorders. In fact, obesity not only affects females but males as well.
Table of Contents
How Does Obesity Impact Fertility in Males?
If the male is overweight or affected by obesity, he may experience a lower level of testosterone compared to men of normal and healthy weight. In addition, the motility and count of sperm are also reduced because of obesity. The following are a few side effects that are results of obesity and how it impacts fertility-
- It can increase the body temperature, majorly around the scrotum causing a negative impact on sperm production.
- It results in hormonal imbalance, resulting in a higher level of estrogen and reducing the level of testosterone.
- The sperm concentrations become lesser and directly affect the process of fertilization.
How Does Obesity Impact Female Fertility?
Obesity can highly impact fertility in females, causing negative changes in the body. It raises the levels of leptin hormones available in females that form fatty tissues. The increase in hormones or likewise, any other hormone imbalance can lead to infertility. Some of the major side effects of obesity in women-
- Irregular periods are caused due to changes in the body and risk the nature of fertility.
- The rate of successful contraception reduces compared to females with regular body weight.
- Obesity also puts excessive pressure on the body and around the abdominal area resulting in anovulation, i.e, ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization.
- The quality of produced eggs also decreases when the female is affected by overweight.
How to Maintain a Regular Healthy Bodyweight?
To avoid all the complications and infertility disorders, experts suggest following a good lifestyle to promote fertility. The following are a few factors that help you maintain a regular and healthy weight-
- Avoid junk food as it leads to gaining unhealthy body weight and lacking the required nutrients needed for the body.
- Add a routine of minimal exercises such as Yoga, cardio, jogging, running, etc., to your daily lifestyle.
- Eat a healthy diet that is enriched with nutrients, vitamins, and proteins for a healthy weight and promote a good digestion system.
- Drink plenty of fluid and stay hydrated as it helps in washing toxins off the body.
- Maintain a good sleep pattern to avoid negative changes in your body weight.
- Do not skip meals as it can impact your health negatively.
- Avoid smoking, consumption of alcohol, or any other influence of a substance that can impact your fertility.
Conclusion-
The above article mentioned the idea of, How obesity can impact your fertility?. Unhealthy weight gain and obesity have a direct relationship with fertility in both females and males. Generally, obesity has obstructive side effects on fertility, causing unsuccessful cases of pregnancy and resulting in infertility disorders. Some significant factors can help you maintain a healthy body weight. If doing these minimal exercises or following a healthy lifestyle does not show effective results, consult a fertility doctor. You can also call us on the given number or book an appointment with our fertility expert for a detailed diagnosis along with prompt and best-suited fertility treatment.
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Written by:
Dr. Apeksha Sahu
Consultant
Dr. Apeksha Sahu, is a reputed fertility specialist with 12 years of experience. She excels in advanced laparoscopic surgeries and tailoring IVF protocols to address a wide range of women’s fertility care needs. Her expertise spans the management of female reproductive disorders, including infertility, fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, PCOS, alongside high-risk pregnancies and gynaecological oncology.
Ranchi, Jharkhand
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Male factor infertility accounts for almost 40%-50% of all infertility cases. Decreased sperm function can be the result of genetic, lifestyle, medical or environmental factors. Fortunately, most causes of male factor infertility can be easily diagnosed and treated.We offer a comprehensive range of sperm retrieval procedures and treatments for couples with male factor infertility or sexual dysfunction.
